With the news that the Ole Miss Rebels have parted ways with head coach Hugh Freeze yesterday evening, Braden & Fitz sat down with USA Today’s Dan Wolken to talk about the situation, the aftermath and where Ole Miss will go from here.
Freeze had reportedly been in contact with an escort service in Miami, Florida. Upon the university learning this info, Freeze resigned from the position. Wolken discussed the details, and said that this season will be a trial for the Rebels.
“It’s obviously gonna be difficult,” Wolken said. “They’re gonna have to go through this season, which was already tough because of the bowl ban. Now, you’re gonna have an interim coach… The hopes you had if you’re an Ole Miss fan are kind of falling apart here. They’re gonna have to hit the reset button.”
ANNOUNCEMENT | Hugh Freeze has resigned effective immediately. Matt Luke interim head coach. Press conference live at 7:30 PM CT on ESPNews.
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 20, 2017
According to several reporters including Wolken, the info came to light due to the lawsuit that involves former Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. Nutt’s lawyer found phone records and other information that pointed to Freeze’s actions, which then prompted the school’s decision.
While it is a tough time for the school, team and its fans, Wolken stated that Ole Miss can turn around the current situation with a smart coaching hire after this season concludes.
“In a year, Ole Miss people will be excited about whoever they bring in,” Wolken said. “I’m sure they’ll get a good coach to clean up this mess. Then everyone will turn their attention towards that. But for now, this season is going to be pretty difficult to get excited about going to watch that team for 12 games.”
As for who will take the job, it remains to be seen. Wolken said that the amount of coaching turnover the past couple years has left slim pickings for the Rebels, but that there will be options and that it is imperative they make a good choice.
“I think that you start to look at who from this group of upwardly mobile coaches,” “Who’s gonna be the next to go? Chad Morris, Blake Anderson, Mike Norvell, it’s that type of guy. Frankly, the ranks of the mid-majors have sort of been picked over the last couple years. There aren’t a ton of rising young prospects left.”
For the full interview, listen here: