Auburn University’s football coaching position is ranked fourth among the currently open Power 4 jobs, as the college football coaching carousel sees unprecedented activity with 12 vacancies. This ranking comes in the wake of Hugh Freeze’s dismissal after a disappointing tenure, highlighting Auburn’s potential and challenges in the competitive SEC landscape.
The college football coaching carousel is in full swing, with an unusually high number of Power 4 programs seeking new head coaches for the 2026 season. As of early November 2025, there are 12 open positions, making this one of the most active hiring cycles in recent memory. The influx of vacancies is partly attributed to schools adjusting to the new financial realities of revenue sharing and NIL regulations, which have shifted priorities and expectations for program performance. This dynamic environment has led to intense speculation and analysis from outlets like The Athletic and ESPN.
Auburn’s job is particularly notable, ranked fourth overall behind LSU, Penn State, and Florida. The Tigers have struggled in recent years, posting a 26-33 record over the past five seasons and failing to win more than six games in a year since 2019. Despite this, the program boasts strong fan support, a valuation of $1.03 billion (13th among Power 4 schools), and recently upgraded facilities, including a new football building. These factors contribute to its B+ job grade, as assessed by The Athletic.
The ranking emphasizes a job’s potential for success rather than recent performance, with Auburn’s upside including its tradition and resources. However, coaches considering the position must navigate high expectations from a passionate fanbase while facing financial and recruiting challenges compared to conference rivals like Alabama and Georgia. The SEC’s depth means that consistent high-level success is difficult, but annual bowl games with periodic championship contention are realistic goals.
Hugh Freeze’s firing after just over two seasons underscores the pressure to win at Auburn. His tenure ended with a 6-16 record, leading to defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin being named interim head coach, as reported by ESPN. The search for a permanent replacement is underway, with the athletic department likely targeting candidates who can maximize the roster’s talent and stabilize the program. Key considerations will include boosting NIL support and aligning boosters behind a unified vision.
In comparison to other open jobs, LSU tops the list as a potential top-three job in college football, followed by Penn State and Florida. Each of these programs offers significant resources and tradition but comes with immense pressure to compete for championships. Auburn sits in a tier just below, with its valuation and grade reflecting a solid but not elite standing. The coaching carousel also includes vacancies at Arkansas, UCLA, and Oklahoma State, each presenting unique opportunities and hurdles.
As the search progresses, Auburn’s ability to attract a quality coach will depend on effectively communicating its advantages and addressing its weaknesses. The outcome could determine whether the Tigers return to their past glory, which included a national title in the 2010s, or continue to languish in mediocrity. With multiple reliable sources reporting on these developments within the last day, the story remains fluid and highly relevant to college football fans and analysts alike.