Auburn head coach shared with ESPN that he has chosen a treatment path following his recent prostate cancer diagnosis.
In February, it was announced that Freeze had been diagnosed with an early-stage form of prostate cancer. Auburn officials stated at the time that the outlook was positive and that Freeze would continue his coaching responsibilities while receiving treatment. Recently, doctors described the cancer as “low aggressive,” and Freeze has decided against surgery for now, opting to reassess the situation next January.
“I’m only 55. We’re a family grounded in faith, and I didn’t feel the need to rush into surgery,” Freeze told ESPN’s Chris Low. “I’m at peace with the decision.”Freeze, now in his third year leading the Tigers, previously coached at Ole Miss from 2012 to 2016 and has been involved in coaching since 1992, starting at Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee.
This season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Auburn. The team finished 6-7 in Freeze’s first year and slipped to 5-7 last season. Auburn has endured four straight losing seasons, a stretch not seen since the program dropped 29 games from 1947 to 1950.
Despite the challenge of a cancer diagnosis, Freeze remains focused on his goals and the people around him.
“It’s really just reminded me that each day is a blessing,” he said. “I want to give everything I’ve got to these players, to my family, and to our fans. That’s where my focus needs to be.”
Auburn will wrap up spring practice on Saturday with its annual A-Day event, which includes an open practice and autograph session for fans.