Hugh Freeze might’ve just fumbled the offseason. Saying a bowl game is the goal for 2025? That’s not the energy Auburn fans want. It echoed the infamous Gus Malzahn take from 2020, when 6-4 was somehow “successful” after a loss to South Carolina and predictable defeats to SEC powerhouses. However, Freeze can’t afford that bar right now—not with his seat heating up fast. But the media’s keeping receipts, and if 2025 doesn’t deliver, this quote might come back to bite hard. Is there any chance of that happening?

Well, Hugh Freeze may have just lowered the bar, and eyebrows are raising. On Next Round Live, when asked what would define a successful 2025 season, Freeze responded, “I’m not a fool. I think we’ve got to go to a bowl game.” That quote, snagged by Lance Taylor, might be the soundbite of the offseason. However, once considered a lock for 2026 thanks to strong recruiting and a gritty defense under DJ Durkin, who just landed a major extension, Freeze now finds himself under the microscope. Because let’s be honest: bowl eligibility isn’t exactly the dream on The Plains.

Simply put, ever since Hugh Freeze dropped the bowl-game bomb, all eyes have quietly shifted to Auburn’s defensive mastermind, DJ Durkin. Now, Freeze’s low bar for success didn’t just stir fans—it sparked whispers. Enter Sports Illustrated’s Austin Walls, who spotlighted Durkin’s hefty extension in a recent piece titled “Importance of D.J. Durkin’s Extension This Offseason for Auburn.” Walls doesn’t outright name Durkin as the next man up if things go south—but the message is loud and clear. If Freeze fumbles the season, don’t be shocked if Auburn’s defensive general is the one handed the headset.

Because sometimes, the writing isn’t just on the wall—it’s lit in neon. Interestingly, DJ Durkin just doubled down on his Auburn future, with a contract that puts serious cash on the table. His new deal locks in a base salary of $2.5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid coordinators in CFB. That includes a slick $200,000 annual bump, steadily boosting his paycheck every offseason. However, last fall, Durkin earned $1.2 million for leading the Tigers’ defense—and under his old contract, he was set to make $1.4 million this season.

Now? He’s playing in a whole new financial league, reflecting just how valuable Auburn sees their defensive guru. To be honest, stability is the name of the game for Auburn’s 2025 hopes, and DJ Durkin is at the heart of it, per Walls. Moreover, Walls highlighted how Durkin’s recruiting prowess helped the Tigers land 13 defensive players in their 2025 signing class, defying early predictions that the focus would lean heavily on offense.

However, after losing 28 players in 2024, Hugh Freeze wisely balanced the board, strengthening both sides of the ball. Now, Durkin’s ability to attract top defensive talent has been a game-changer. In a year full of questions, Auburn’s defense may just be their anchor. So, DJ Durkin might be Auburn’s plan to succeed Hugh Freeze, but college football fans are split on the move.

Hugh Freeze’s future at Auburn is on thin ice

Things are heating up fast on the Plains. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is heading into a make-or-break season, and the pressure’s mounting. As SI’s Austin Walls put it best, stating, “This team will be the most talented one he has had yet”—and if Freeze can’t turn that into wins, he may not last much longer. After going 11-14 over two seasons (6-7 and 5-7), patience is running thin. One fan didn’t hold back, firing off, “Auburn is like the Avengers of scummy coaches.” Honestly, harsh words—but that’s the kind of heat Freeze is facing heading into 2025.

It’s hard not to see DJ Durkin as Auburn’s interim-in-waiting if Hugh Freeze stumbles early. Freeze has spent two seasons dodging blame, setting low bars, and tossing players under the bus—and it’s catching up to him. Meanwhile, Durkin’s no stranger to rebuilding. He’s bold enough to trust freshmen and shake things up. But not everyone’s buying the narrative. And one fan clapped back, stating, “Dumb article. If a head coach is fired midseason, the DC with experience is the obvious interim.” Still, the writing’s on the wall—Durkin might not just be filling in. He could be next up.

Now, DJ Durkin may have experience, but Auburn fans aren’t exactly lining up to crown him the next head coach. If the Tigers overperform, handing the keys from Hugh Freeze to Durkin might spark more backlash than buzz. One fan didn’t hold back, saying, “Does Auburn have a thing for crappy people as their head coaches?” Another went scorched earth, stating, “The worst DC in the SEC is going to be our head coach? That dude fucking sucks at his job… 75th in the nation on 3rd down defense. Gave up an average of 9 points in the 4th quarter of every single SEC game. Durkin is easy to beat when it matters the most. He better not be our HC.”  Safe to say, the fanbase isn’t sold on a Durkin era.

And finally, one fan summed up the mood with a brutal takedown of Hugh Freeze. While unsure about DJ Durkin, they made their feelings crystal clear, saying, “I don’t know how I feel about the Durkin thing, but I sure as f— am ready for the Freeze experiment to be over.” No sugarcoating. Just frustration boiling over. Honestly, Auburn fans are tired of the talk—they want results. And patience? It’s wearing thin on the Plains.