The primary reason for Hugh Freeze’s dismissal from Auburn was the team’s lack of success on the field. However, what made the situation worse was the public perception surrounding his frequent involvement in golf. Reports from journalists often highlighted that Freeze was spending time on the golf course even when there were pressing coaching responsibilities. This created growing frustration among fans and supporters of the program. Despite the criticism, Freeze did not change his routine, and the mounting dissatisfaction eventually contributed to his removal as head coach.
Now, Auburn’s new head coach, Alex Golesh, appears fully aware of the fan base’s negative reaction to the previous coach’s golfing habits. He recently made a light-hearted remark that seemed to reference the situation while discussing his schedule. During a March 6 podcast, when asked about his detailed plans from spring practice through the preseason camp, Golesh jokingly said that if anyone expected time on the golf course, they would be disappointed because there was too much work to be done.
Since taking over the program in November, Golesh has worked hard to present himself as the opposite of Freeze in both attitude and approach. One of his first major actions was rebuilding the roster, bringing in around 60 new players in an effort to move the program in a different direction. His first year is viewed as extremely important because it will set the tone for the future and establish the foundation for the team’s identity.
Spring practice is scheduled to begin on March 17, and Golesh has already mapped out a detailed offseason plan. He explained that everything is new for the coaching staff as they evaluate how returning players and newcomers will blend together. According to Golesh, developing a clear team identity is essential. While a head coach can have a vision for how the program should look, he believes the identity must develop naturally through the players’ growth and experience. He also emphasized that the training process will be demanding so that players can learn and improve through challenges.
While building the program, Golesh is also careful to avoid the same mistakes that surrounded his predecessor. Concerns about Freeze’s dedication had grown over time, particularly because of his visible enthusiasm for golf. Some supporters of the program even claimed that he appeared more interested in golfing than focusing on coaching responsibilities.
Reports indicated that Freeze was often seen on golf courses, including Sundays shortly after Auburn losses. At the same time, Freeze was dealing with health issues. He had been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer before the 2025 season began. Despite the diagnosis, he chose to continue leading the program and planned to reassess his health after the season ended. Instead of undergoing traditional treatment immediately, he attempted to manage the condition through natural remedies and later stated in July that he was feeling well. It is possible that spending time on the golf course helped him cope with the stress of his illness, but public criticism continued to grow regardless.
Additional reports further fueled frustration among Auburn supporters. One booster recalled seeing Freeze at a golf course shortly before a Friday game during the 2025 season. Although he did not bring his clubs and was only watching others play, the timing still raised questions. Another report revealed that Freeze played golf on ten different days in June, which is typically one of the most critical periods for recruiting high school players. Recruiting is a major priority during that time, so the reports intensified criticism from fans and donors.
The combination of poor results and negative optics ultimately contributed to Freeze’s downfall. During the 2025 season, Auburn started strong by winning its first three games, but the momentum quickly faded. After those early victories, the team posted a 4–5 record over the next nine games, which led to Freeze being fired. Overall, Auburn finished his tenure with a 15–19 record and a disappointing 6–16 mark in SEC play. While it remains uncertain whether his golfing actually affected his coaching performance, the perception that he was distracted by other interests damaged confidence in his leadership.
Golesh, on the other hand, is carefully shaping a different image for the program. When asked directly about his interest in golf, he joked that it was a “setup question.” He acknowledged that his wife, daughter, and son enjoy the sport and even described his wife as an excellent golfer. However, he made it clear that football is his true focus and admitted that he is not particularly skilled at golf anyway.
Beyond distancing himself from the previous controversies, Golesh is also emphasizing a new culture for the team. His philosophy centers on a “process-driven” approach, which contrasts with what many viewed as inconsistency and unpredictability during Freeze’s tenure. He is also working closely with Auburn’s athletic leadership, including athletic director John Cohen, to rebuild the program and restore its competitive reputation.
In addition to implementing structural changes within the team, Golesh has shown an understanding of how important public perception is in a major college football program. By staying focused on football, maintaining strong communication with leadership, and presenting a disciplined image to the media and fans, he aims to reshape the narrative around Auburn and guide the program toward long-term success.