Hugh Freeze has improved Auburn’s offensive talent through recruiting and has taken back the play calling duties.
Known for his offensive skills, Freeze is hoping this will lead to much better results after a debut season where the offense struggled, particularly with the passing game.
Freeze believes the team’s culture and chemistry have also gotten better as he enters his second year.
“I think we’re on the right track,” said Freeze, whose 6-7 first season was only the second losing season of his 11-year head coaching career. “But what does that mean in win-loss total this fall? I’m not sure yet.”
Quarterback Payton Thorne, leading rusher Jarquez Hunter, and tight end Rivaldo Fairweather are back.
However, most of the receiving group is new, including Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith and top freshman recruit Cam Coleman.
The Tigers are aiming to recover from a third consecutive losing season, though this one did include close losses to Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama.
Auburn ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring, averaging 26.2 points per game, and was last in passing offense (162.2 yards per game). Freeze fired offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery and hired longtime Mississippi assistant Derrick Nix.
But Freeze is now the main playcaller and has more weapons to use.
