— In a stunning shakeup that has rocked the college football landscape, Auburn University officially announced today that Marcus Freeman, the former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, will take over as the Tigers’ new head football coach.
Freeman, 39, brings with him a reputation for defensive brilliance, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to player development. After leading Notre Dame to a pair of New Year’s Six bowl appearances and three consecutive 10-win seasons, Freeman steps into a high-pressure role at Auburn, a program seeking to return to national prominence in the loaded SEC.
“I’m honored to join the Auburn family,” Freeman said at the press conference, donning a navy and burnt orange tie. “This is a program with tradition, heart, and a relentless drive to win. I’m here to build something that lasts — a culture of discipline, unity, and championship football.”
Freeman takes the reins from interim coach Will Herring, who stepped in following the midseason departure of Hugh Freeze amid internal conflicts and disappointing on-field results. The Tigers ended the 2024 season at 6-7, their third consecutive losing record, prompting boosters and administration to act swiftly and decisively in the offseason.
Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen praised Freeman as “the right man at the right time.”
“Marcus embodies what Auburn football is all about — integrity, intensity, and innovation. His ability to connect with players, recruit top talent, and build elite defenses is exactly what we need as we aim to compete for SEC titles and beyond,” Cohen stated.
Sources close to the program say Freeman’s contract is a six-year deal worth $48 million, with incentives for playoff appearances and academic performance. Already, early buzz surrounds which coaches might join his staff — with rumors linking former LSU assistant Frank Wilson and longtime NFL defensive coach Kris Richard to key coordinator roles.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement. “We’ve been waiting for this kind of energy,” said Auburn alumnus and season ticket holder Jamie Rhodes. “Freeman brings a fire we haven’t seen since the early days of Gus Malzahn.”
Freeman’s first test will come quickly, as Auburn opens the 2025 season with a neutral-site showdown against Penn State in Atlanta. But if his record at Notre Dame is any indication, the Tigers may finally be ready to roar again.
