"Auburn is probably the best job, the safest job": CFB insider makes eye-catching remarks about top SEC job after Hugh Freeze's dismissal

Auburn fired Hugh Freeze from his coaching position on Sunday, a day after the team's 10-3 loss to Kentucky in Week 10. The Tigers confirmed that defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will serve as the team's interim head coach after Freeze's firing.

While Auburn is still on the lookout for a permanent head coach, ESPN SEC studio anchor Peter Burns was asked whether the job is the best opening for college coaching candidates.

"Yeah, as far as when you're talking about the idea of alignment, of what you know you're going to get," Burns said on "The Next Round" podcast on Wednesday. "That you're not dealing with the power broker. ... For me, I look at it and I'm like, 'what's the calmest situation?' and the fact that the last two hires were such a disaster. The bar is set so low for Auburn football to be damn good.

"Like, I don't know. There still feels like a level of dysfunction over in Florida. There's absolutely dysfunction over at LSU ... so, I never thought I'd say this, but, yes, Auburn is probably the best job, the safest job, of all of those."

According to reports, Auburn will pay Freeze $15.8 million as part of his buyout. ESPN has reported that the figure is not subject to offsetting based on Freeze's future employment.

A look at Hugh Freeze's coaching record at Auburn

Former Auburn HC Hugh Freeze - Source: Getty

Auburn hired Hugh Freeze in November 2022. He posted a 15-19 record in just under three years.

Many felt that Freeze could potentially lead Auburn to the College Football Playoff this season. However, following the loss to Kentucky on Saturday, Auburn fell to a 4-5 record (1-5 Southeastern Conference) this season, which led to Freeze's firing.