Hugh Freeze, Auburn Look to Make Substantial Jump in Year 2

© Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

A significant leap in a coach's second year isn't unheard of. In fact, it can almost be expected at this point. Nick Saban won a national championship in his second year at Alabama. Urban Meyer and Gene Chizik won championships in their second year, too.

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze spoke to the media Thursday in Dallas at SEC Media Days. Freeze and the Tigers expect to make a similar leap in Freeze's second year.

Hugh Freeze to Call Plays at Auburn?

This year marks the seventh consecutive one that Auburn will be rolling into the season with a new offensive coordinator. Phillip Montgomery was fired after the 2023 season.

In the offseason, Auburn hired Derrick Nix away from Ole Miss after 16 years with the Rebels. But Tiger fans are anticipating Freeze calling the majority of the plays. When asked Thursday, Freeze said, "I don't know the percentage of play-calling between Nix, Kent (quarterbacks coach Kent Austin) and I. Every game will probably be different with that."

Regardless of who is pulling the trigger play to play, you can be assured that Freeze will have a significantly heavier hand in the offense's production this season.

Focus on the Receivers

The position group in need of the most love when Freeze arrived on The Plains was the receiving corps. Auburn addressed that need in the Transfer Portal and recruiting. True freshman Cam Coleman leads the "Freeze Four." Coleman has gotten excited after a 4-catch, 92-yard showing in Auburn's A-Day spring game. Penn State leading receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith brings experience and electric athleticism to the group.

It All Depends on Thorne

Auburn's defense is perennially stout, the running back room is deep and talented and there are plenty of new toys to throw to in the receiver group. But the Tigers' season will come down to the play of senior quarterback Payton Thorne.

Thorne struggled with consistency in his first year with the Tigers as he completed just 61 percent of his passes for 1,755 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Thorne's best season came in his sophomore season at Michigan State, where he threw for 3,240 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. If Thorne can find that level of production this year, then Auburn could expect to push for a playoff spot in 2024.