A breakdown of Hugh Freeze’s incentive package at Auburn

If Auburn wins a national championship under new head coach Hugh Freeze, it presents an opportunity for him to earn upwards of $3 million in bonus money, according to findings from an open records request from the Opelika-Auburn News.

Five SEC wins nets Freeze $150,000, with another $150,00 for every SEC victory after breaking through five. If Auburn wins the SEC championship game, that will gain another $400,000 for Freeze. An appearance in the SEC championship game would earn $200,000 in bonus money according to the OA News.

An appearance in the national championship game would be worth $1,000,000, and $2,000,000 would result from a national championship game win.

Perhaps a more realistic goal in the Tigers’ first season under Freeze that opens up at Jordan-Hare on Sept 2 against UMass would be $50,000 for a non-SEC Group of 6 Bowl appearance. A trip to the Citrus Bowl or SEC Group of 6 Bowl Appearance nets $150,000.

Winning conference coach of the year would pay out $75,000, and winning one of the National Coach of the Year awards earns another $75,000 with a total of $150,000 of possible earnings if Freeze wins SEC Coach of the Year and one of the national awards per the records request from the OA News.

An undefeated season ending with Freeze holding the national championship trophy would net around $3,125,000 on top of Freeze’s $6.5 million salary.

According to the OA News, the contract was signed by athletic director John Cohen and Freeze on March 23, 2023, nearly four months after Freeze took over as the Tiger coach. Auburn honored the open records request on Friday with salary details, including a $250,000 base salary. Freeze also earns $3,125,000 in endorsement rights and the same amount in personal appearances.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.