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December 6, 2011

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the Journalism and New Media, School of at eGrove. It has been accepted for inclusion in Daily Mississippian by an authorized administrator of eGrove. For more information, please contact [email protected]. DTheailyMississippian Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Vol. 100 No. 232

Freeze’s First step

ForwardPHILLIP WALLER | The Daily Mississippian

By AUSTIN MILLER When reports started to surface, love you have for family,” Freeze After a coaching search that sion to offer him the job Sunday [email protected] the reaction was mixed, but Freeze said during Monday’s introduc- took many twists and turns, the evening. Chancellor Dan Jones won over the capacity crowd at tory press conference. “I have that search committee, co-chaired by said Freeze, the Rebels 37th head After arguably the worst season the Ford Center with his love and love. This is a destination place for football legend Archie Manning coach, will make approximately in school history, new vision for Ole Miss, both delivered me. This is where I want to live and Mike Glenn, FedEx Vice $1.5 million per season over the won the press con- in a charismatic fashion. and retire. We understand that President of Market Development course of a four-year contract, ference and took the first step to “I understand the Ole Miss to accomplish what we want will and Corporate Communications, with athletic and academic incen- rebuilding the football program people and the love you have for take tremendous energy, passion tabbed Freeze as their number and uniting the fan base. the University, each other and the and desire.” one choice and made the deci- See FREEZE, PAGE 2

BRIARCREST CHRISTIAN OLE MISS LAMBUTH ARKANSAS STATE • Compiled a 99-23 record as head football • Served three years as an assistant under • Compiled a 20-5 record as head football • Joined the staff as coach from 1995 to 2004 from 2005 to 2007 coach from 2008 to 2009 at the Jackson, and coach in 2010 • Led the Saints to six straight state • Managed the day-to-day external affairs Tenn. university • Named the program’s 27th head coach on championships, which included state as Assistant Athletics Director in 2005 • Coached the Eagles to an 8-4 mark and the Dec. 2, 2010 championship titles in 2002 and 2004 • Served as recruiting coordinator from first round of the NAIA playoffs in 2008 • Became just the 14th FBS first-year head • Portrayed in the movie “The Blind Side.” 2006 to 2007 • Completed the best regular season in coach to win 10 regular season games • Coached future Ole Miss and NFL • Coached the tight ends in 2006 and the school history (11-0) and finished 12-1 • Set a combined 21 offensive school re- players and wide receivers in 2007 and ranked No. 6 in NAIA cords in 2010 and 2011 SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 2

and were one of just four teams to offensive coordinator position. FREEZE, finish in the top 30 in both total In the long-term, Freeze talked continued from page 1 offense and total defense. about a 12-month plan for re- He called this past season “one cruiting he learned under Org- tives that could increase his yearly of the greatest rides of his life,” eron, accountability groups for salary to more than $2.5 million. but is ready to make things hap- team discipline and an offensive “Coach Freeze is one of the most pen at Ole Miss and help the philosophy he called “ highly regarded young coaches in program get to a SEC Champi- on grass.” the country,” Glenn said. “He is onship. He has put together both I think it is an advantage for known as an offensive genius, but short-term and long-term plans to teams that may play in a league he also understands that it takes accomplish his goals and realize like this that don’t see that kind of great defensive to win in the SEC. his vision. offense all the time,” Freeze said. Bob Beaudine made it very clear In the short term, he talked about “I know that it limits exactly what that he had placed many coaches a 90-day plan, which includes get- a defense can call. throughout his career and that ting a partial staff in place to hit “I am not suggesting that de- Hugh Freeze has what it takes.” the recruiting trails. When asked fenses can defend it, but it has Freeze returns to Ole Miss, about putting his staff together, been very successful for us. We will where he served as an assistant on he singled out current Arkansas go very fast. We have three speeds the staff of former head coach Ed State assistants Chris Kiffin, Dave and we like to go the fastest a lot.” Orgeron. Wommack, Maurice Harris and He also spoke in more general Since that three-year stop in Tom Allen. terms, talking about F.A.M.I.L.Y. Oxford, from 2005 to 2007, he Another assistant from that staff, and how each letter represents a has been a head coach at Lam- Darren Hiller, is another possible different aspect of his coaching buth University, the offensive co- staff edition. It remains to be seen values, as well as actions match- GRAPHIC BY JOSH HOLLINGSHEAD | The Daily Mississippian ordinator at Arkansas State and, if Gunter Brewer, who led Ole ing goals and the phrase, “Win School Records set while at Arkansas State most recently, the head coach at Miss’ transition team from Nutt to the Day,” to improve the football Arkansas State. Freeze, will be retained. program. 2010 - Offensive Coordinator “I think whatever level you Another name to watch is Freeze simply won the press Passing Touchdowns (23) coach at, you think that there is a Frank Wilson, the running backs conference and took a first step to 2011 - Head Coach different defense or offense being coach and recruiting coordinator rebuilding the football program run,” Freeze said. “Every single at LSU, who is a candidate for the and uniting the fan base. Total Offense (5,441 yards) place I’ve been the kids are the Total Offense Per Game (453.4 ypg) same, their emotions and desire to win are the same, and their desire Total Plays (929) for someone to love and care for First Downs (284) them is the same.” Most Passing First Downs (153) In his one season as head coach, Freeze led Arkansas State to a 10-2 Most Pass Attempts (442) record and the program’s first Sun Most Completions (296) Belt Championship, becoming just the third school in conference Highest Completion Percentage (67.0) history to finish undefeated in con- Most Passing Yards (3,464) ference play with a perfect 8-0 re- Most Passing Yards Per Game (288.7) cord. The Red Wolves also carry the nation’s second-longest win- Field Goal Attempts (32) ning streak, now at nine games, Field Goals Made (22)

PHOTO COURTESY ARKANSAS STATE SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT GRAPHIC BY PETRE THOMAS | The Daily Mississippian

Freeze’s future staff: Potential additions?

FRANK DAVE GUNTER TOM MAURICE DARREN CHRIS WILSON WOMMACK BREWER ALLEN HARRIS HILLER KIFFIN • LSU Running • Arkansas State • Ole Miss As- • Arkansas • Arkansas • Arkansas State • Arkansas State Backs Coach Defensive sociate Head State Assistant State Tight Offensive Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator and Coach, Passing Head Coach Ends Coach Line Coach Line Coach Coordinator Safeties Coach Game Coor- and Lineback- (2008-Present) (2002-Present) (2011-Present) (2010-Present) (2011-Present) dinator and ers Coach and Recruiting and Run Game Wide Receiv- (2011-Present) Coordinator Coordinator ers Coach (2011-Present) (2011-Present) (2011-Present) SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 3 Freeze introduced as Head Coach: Ole Miss Community Reacts

@HughFreeze_ASU @BobLynchII “Long Tweet: Wow, Thank You to the “Buy on Hugh Freeze because, at the #RedWolfNation. Thank you for every- very least, ASU team would have beat- thing you’ve done for my family. Jones- en our Rebels last season.” boro is truly a wonderful place. This @captainmcinnis has been given an opportunity I can “My impression: Freeze didn’t come off not turn down. It is not with out a lot of like a small-program guy. Calm confi- prayer, and thought. I asked for a word dence carried the room. #FreezeRevival” from God, I found Jeremiah 29:11-14. Passing Touchdowns (23) I have taken the Head Coaching Job at @ClayPrice15 Ole Miss, but it’s not without a heavy “#Buy - Hodge, Wallace, Oher, Lewis, heart. To the players at Arkansas State. McCluster, Powe, Hardy, Bolden. Miss I LOVE EACH and EVERYONE of you. Boy w/Colonel Reb in his heart & nasty I’m sorry, i truly am. I hope that in time spread offense” you will forgive me. If there is anything @gtownreb that any of you need, just let me know. “#buyfreeze he doesnt have much D1 I Love you guys.Arkansas State will experience but he knows the game, always be a place dear to me, Thank and is a great recruiter,need good You” coaches around him” @peteboone @HampHickman “Hugh Freeze is perfect for Ole Miss. “Buy.. He’s a proven winner. Every- He will bring an immediate positive where.” impact.” @IAmTheJody @mtjrolemiss “The better question is why we needed “What a press conference! The audito- a so called search committee for this? rium was full of ready Boone’s secretary could have handled for Coach Freeze’s leadership. #win- this hire” theday #OleMiss” @krush_1228 @CassiusVaughn “buy, he actually has an offensive phi- “who remember this from ole miss...@ losophy.” hodge_3 @DoubleC20 @MRMarcusTill- man @TruMcBride coach freeze saying @paigeadoue you got to fit like a glove” “24 hrs later, I think I’m finally on #TeamFreeze . #hottytoddy #gorebs . @hodge_3 (But I’m still not happy that we didn’t “He a cold coach forreal offensive interview )” minded” @SnyGuy @MichaelOher “Hugh Freeze didn’t need to paint an “Get ready for some great Football endzone with a hashtag to trend on season ahead Ole Miss!!” Twitter. That’s a good start.” SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 4 Ole Miss Recruiting: The Hugh Freeze Era

GREG JOHN KENDRICK DEXTER JERRELL CASSIUS HARDY JERRY LEWIS McCLUSTER POWE VAUGHN Defensive Offensive Guard Safety Nose Tackle Cornerback Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss Rebels 2006-2009 2006-2009 2006-2009 2006-2009 2008-2010 2006-2009 Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs 2010-Present 2010-Present 2010-Present 2010-Present 2011-Present 2010-Present Rivals.com 3 Rivals.com 4 Rivals.com 3 Rivals.com 3 Rivals.com 5 Rivals.com 3 Scout.com 3 Scout.com 4 Scout.com 3 Scout.com 3 Scout.com 5 Scout.com 3 2006 Ole Miss Recruiting Class 2007 Ole Miss Recruiting Class Rivals.com Scout.com Rivals.com Scout.com 15th Overall, 6th SEC 15th, 5th SEC 27th, 8th SEC 31st, 9th SEC 2 2 0 1 7 8 6 6 15 14 12 10 6 6 4 5 2011 FBS College Coaching Carousel

GRAPHIC BY PETRE THOMAS | The Daily Mississippian School Out In School Out In AKRON Rob Ianello MEMPHIS Larry Porter ARIZONA Mike Stoops NEW MEXICO Bob Davie ARIZONA STATE NORTH CAROLINA ARKANSAS STATE Hugh Freeze OLE MISS Hugh Freeze COLORADO STATE Steve Fairchild OHIO STATE FLORIDA ATLANTIC PENN STATE Tom Bradley FRESNO STATE Pat Hill TEXAS A&M Mike Sherman HAWAII Greg McMackin TULANE Curtis Johnson ILLINOIS UAB Neil Callaway Garrick McGee KANSAS UCLA MASSACHUSETTS Kevin Morris WASHINGTON STATE Mike Leach SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 5 Ford Center ‘Freeze’ Frames Freeze ‘has it’ By DAVID COLLIER choice was crystal clear,” he [email protected] said. “Our number one (choice) was coach Hugh Freeze. Coach Former Rebel Freeze is one of the most high- Archie Manning and FedEx ly regarded young coaches in Vice President of Market De- the country. He is known as an velopment and Corporate offensive genius, but he also Communications Mike Glenn understands it takes great de- co-chaired the search com- fense to win in the Southeast- mittee responsible for hiring ern Conference.” Hugh Freeze as the next head The committee’s decision football coach at Ole Miss. was further solidified when The rest of the committee a member of the search firm included Richard Noble, who told Glenn his thoughts. is the President of the Alumni “Bob Beaudine of Eastman Association and serves on the & Beaudine came back into Intercollegiate Athletics Com- the room and said ‘You know, mittee, Ronald Rychlak, who is I’ve worked to place over 40 the Chair of the Intercollegiate coaches around the country, Athletics Committee, and Eth- and I know when some folks el Young-Minor, an English have it and some folks just and African-American Studies don’t. And let me tell you now, professor as well as the Senior this guy (Freeze) has it.’” AUSTIN MCAFEE | The Daily Mississippian Faculty Fellow of the Lucky Glenn and Manning fell in Day Residential College. love with the passion and love This committee interviewed Freeze has for both the game candidates from both the col- of football and Ole Miss as a lege and professional ranks to whole, but one thing that made find the right guy to lead the Freeze stand out above the rest football program. was the preparation he showed Glenn said Manning and during his interview. himself laid down the mold “I have never seen a candi- they were looking for going date come into an interview into the search. That mold in- more prepared with greater cluded a man of character and passion, greater energy and integrity, who would focus on regardless of the topic, wheth- winning the state of Missis- er it was offensive philosophy, sippi in recruiting. defensive philosophy, thoughts They were looking for “a on strength and conditioning disciplinarian and someone or how to deal with different with their personal skill that social issues the kids might

PETRE THOMAS | The Daily Mississippian PETRE THOMAS| The Daily Mississippian can unite and galvanize (the) have,” Glenn said. “(Freeze fan base.” has) a passion and energy for After gathering the mold of the job. I have just never seen who would take the rein of the anything like that.” Ole Miss football program, Freeze also showed great Manning and Glenn hired the leadership, and he has goal search firm Eastman & Beau- set and a plan in place, both dine to help gather a list of po- short-term and long-term, for tential candidates. the football program’s success While he would not get into on and off the field. specifics about who all was “I know leadership when I interviewed for the position, see it,” he said. “I have had the Glenn noted the interest in the opportunity to hire a bunch of job was “broad and deep.” people in my career. Success The committee took each starts with great leadership and candidate into consideration, he’s got great leadership skills. but according to Glenn, no He outlined a plan called ‘Ole one matched up with Freeze. Miss – The Journey to the SEC “Once we completed our Championship.’ That journey AUSTIN MCAFEE | The Daily Mississippian PHILLIP WALLER | The Daily Mississippian interviews, our number one starts today.”

Larry Porter Mike Locksley Bob Davie Everett Withers Houston Nutt Hugh Freeze Luke Fickell Urban Meyer Tom Bradley Mike Sherman Bob Toledo Curtis Johnson AUSTIN MCAFEE | The Daily Mississippian Neil Callaway Garrick McGee Top: Ole Miss fans listen as new Head Coach Hugh Freeze speaks after being announced as the 37th head coach. Top Middle left: Ole Rick Neuheisel Miss Alumnus Sean Tuohy among those in attendance. Top middle right: Freeze speaks to crowd. Bottom middle left: Chancellor introduces search committee co-chair Mike Glenn. Bottom middle right: Members of the search committee. Bottom: Freeze speaks as Paul Wulff Mike Leach his family looks on. SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 6

PHOTO COURTESY ARKANSAS STATE SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT Arkansas State 2011 Schedule ‘Regaining the momentum’ Date Opponent Record By BENNETT HIPP me. What they do from this Freeze said that the goal for [email protected] point forward is what they’ll the Rebels offense going for- 9/3 Illinois 15 - 33 (L) be judged upon unless there’s ward is “to be a fundamentally Speaking out in front of the things carrying over that we efficient scoring machine” and 9/10 Memphis 47 - 3 (W) podium at the Ford Center have to address.” likened the style to “basketball Monday afternoon, new Ole Freeze, who was the offen- on grass. 9/17 Virginia Tech 7 - 26 (L) Miss head football coach Hugh sive coordinator at Arkansas “I think it’s an advantage for Freeze preached accountabil- State in 2010 before becoming teams that may play in a league 924 Central Arkansas 53 - 24 (W) ity as a major part of what he the head coach this past sea- like this that doesn’t see that of- wants to install in the team. son, was hired by the Rebels fense all the time,” Freeze said. 10/1 Western Kentucky * 26 - 22 (W) “If you’re not winning the after leading Arkansas State “I know that it limits exactly day, you’re not going to get to a 10-2 record and the pro- what a defense can call. Cer- 10/8 Louisiana-Monroe * 24 - 19 (W) there,” Freeze said. “Our daily gram’s first Sunbelt Confer- tainly, I’m not at all suggesting actions have to meet our spo- ence Championship. that defenses can’t defend it in 10/18 Florida International* 34 - 16 (W) ken goals. You can’t say that A former assistant at Ole this league, but it’s been very you want to be an honor roll Miss under coach Ed Orgeron, successful for us. 10/29 North Texas* 37 - 14 (W) student and not go to class. Freeze made it known that the “We will go very, very, fast,” “You can’t say that you want Ole Miss job is one that is very A Senatobia High School 11/5 Florida Atlantic* 39 - 21 (W) to be an All-American and not special to him. graduate and a college gradu- practice hard every single day. “[This] is not a stop along ate of Southern Mississippi, 11/12 Louisiana-Lafayette 30 - 21 (W) You have to win the day.” the path,” Freeze said. “It is Freeze was asked if the Ole Added accountability and where I want to live, it’s where Miss administration had told 11/19 Middle Tennessee State * 45 - 19 (W) discipline is needed for a team I want to be, it’s where I want him the importance of the Egg that saw multiple starters sus- to retire. This is home to me.” Bowl. The significance of the 12/3 Troy* 45 - 14 (W) pended during the season and In terms of what to expect season-ending game between for a program that has been on the field, Freeze is heralded Ole Miss and Mississippi State 1/8 Northern Illinois ____-____( ) rocked by attrition the past few as an offensive-minded head isn’t lost on him. years. coach who uses multiple for- “It’s not big, it’s paramount” * Conference Game “The discipline of our foot- mations and runs a fast-paced, Freeze said. “Being raised here, ball team falls on my shoul- wide-open attack. He has the I have a quite good understand it and I understand. the Egg Bowl and the program ders, period,” Freeze said. “I task of rebuilding an offense of what that (game) means. “It’s about us regaining the as a whole, but Freeze got that don’t get caught up in what that ranked 114th in the coun- The administration doesn’t momentum.” momentum started in the right happened in the past. These try in total offense this past sea- have to tell me that. They don’t Ole Miss has a lot of momen- way in his introductory press kids have a clean slate with son. have to let me know that. I get tum to regain both in terms of conference. Coming Home: Freeze returns to his Mississippi roots

By DAVID COLLIER Since Ole Miss made the de- would make everyone in the for making the important hire? chael Oher’s high school foot- [email protected] cision to fire Houston Nutt after landscape real- However, Manning and ball coach, but since those days losing to Kentucky, Ole Miss ize Ole Miss meant business. Glenn found their guy to lead at Briarcrest Christian School, On Monday, Hugh Freeze fans were ready for a new leader. And why wouldn’t you expect Ole Miss just 150 miles away Freeze has made his mark in was officially announced as the They were ready for someone that as an Ole Miss fan when in Jonesboro, Ark. That guy is the collegiate game first as an 37th head coach of the Ole to come in and take the reins of you have former quarterback Hugh Freeze. assistant at Ole Miss under Ed Miss Rebel football program, the Rebel football program and and legend Archie Manning Many know Freeze from his Orgeron and then as the of- but it wasn’t a hire the entire fan take them to places they haven’t and the executive vice president depiction in the book and mov- fensive coordinator at Arkansas base loved. been in a long time. Those fans at FedEx Mike Glenn co-chair- ie “The Blind Side” as former Not at all, actually. were anticipating a hire that ing the committee responsible Ole Miss football player Mi- See HOME, PAGE 8 SPORTS 2011- 2012 Bowl Schedule SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 7

Record 15 - 33 (L) 47 - 3 (W) 7 - 26 (L) 53 - 24 (W) 26 - 22 (W) 24 - 19 (W) 34 - 16 (W) 37 - 14 (W) 39 - 21 (W) 30 - 21 (W) 45 - 19 (W) 45 - 14 (W) ____-____( ) SPORTS

SPORTS | 12.6.11 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | PAGE 8 and the four years of his contract? HOME, BF: You don’t have the worst continued from page 6 year in school history and go from that to winning the SEC State before getting the head job West. I think that is really unre- a season ago. Freeze led the Red alistic, but I think if you can get Wolves to a 10-2 record and the them to four or five wins next school’s first Sunbelt Conference year, I think that is a good first Championship in his first season step. I mean to go 2-10, getting at the helm. just drilled by Louisiana Tech, But a lot of people are skep- getting beat by Kentucky and tical about the decision to hire pushed around by Vanderbilt. Freeze, and it’s well warranted I mean that program was in skepticism. bad shape. If he can get them Freeze has only been in the col- to four or five wins and get lege game for a few years and a them competitive. Even if you head coach at a Division I school lose games, just be competi- for just one season. What has he tive. That, I think, has got to be done to prove that he is ready to the big focus. If you are a team be the head man of a Southeast- that’s not getting beat 51-10 in ern Conference program? those games, that is a good sign. The answer is simple: not a They don’t have to win all those lot. games, but I think they have to But that isn’t what is impor- try and be competitive. tant. What is important is that AM: What kind of region- everyone comes together as one. al and nation impact is the Everyone from the fan base to hire? the players to the managers to BF: I’m not sure it has a big the administration to the assis- national splash because he, hon- tant coaches Freeze brings in. estly, is not a guy people know Everyone wants the same thing. much about. People know the Since the moment the news of name a little bit because he was the hire had leaked across media at Arkansas State, but I think he outlets, many fans cheered the did a really nice job. I know a lot hire, while many others were dis- of guys who cover college foot- gruntled. Sure enough, Freeze ball and they have no idea who would need to deliver one heck he is. It’s not making a splash, of an introductory speech to get I don’t think that is the case. I the Rebel fan base and his new think people are saying if they Ole Miss team behind him. had gotten , there For anyone who watched it is a big name attached to it. live or online, there is no doubt There is a familiar face. If they Freeze did just that. were able to land somebody big- He had the crowd excited as he ger from a bigger program, that gave his plan to get Ole Miss to would have gotten headlines. the SEC Championship Game. You win the press conference Freeze even threw a shot back to or whatever, that’s one thing. Southern Mississippi head coach Freeze is getting $1.5 million. who declared they It’s hard to really resonate na- were the Flagship university in tionally if you are not spending Mississippi when he was hired

PHOTO COURTESY ARKANSAS STATE SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT $3 or $4 million dollars. I mean three years ago. we are talking about an Urban “This is THE University of Meyer, that is a big splash hire. Mississippi,” Freeze said passion- Feldman weighs in on Freeze Hire Right now, this is where Ole ately. “There a few who think CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman wrote “Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Miss is at and I think Freeze will they are the Flagship of the state Football Recruiting,” which centers on recruiting at Ole Miss leading up to National Signing Day go 100 miles an hour and prove of Mississippi, but THIS is the 2007. New head coach Hugh Freeze was the recruiting coordinator on the staff of former Ed to people that he deserves this Flagship of the state of Missis- Orgeron during this recruiting season. Feldman discusses the recent hire and expectations for the job right now. sippi.” football program going forward. AM: How do you grade For a fan base as torn apart as the search committees ef- Ole Miss has been lately, they forts landing Freeze with needed something to light a fire By AUSTIN MILLER bring from a recruiting cruiting for a guy to be around some of the other names under them. They needed some- [email protected] perspective? How involved that for three years. that were floating around? thing to get them going. was he as recruiting coor- AM: How does his Mis- BF: I don’t know how many Who knew that something Austin Miller: What are dinator under former head sissippi and Memphis guys were seriously considered would be Freeze? your overall thought on coach Ed Orgeron? background help him in for me to answer. Between Ar- Not to mention the love he has Hugh Freeze being named BF: He was definitely involved recruiting? chie Manning and (Mike Glenn), for this University. Barely two head coach? (in the recruiting). That staff BF: I think it is definitely an I think when people looked at it, sentences into his comments to Bruce Feldman: (Freeze) had some really good recruiters. advantage because he knows it was still Ole Miss. I think there the Rebel faithful, he began to has a lot of success at Arkansas I think Frank Wilson was proba- what he is getting into. I think he is a lot of people who are skepti- choke up. State. It’s not easy to take a pro- bly the top guy on that staff. All has some of those relationships cal, coaches who were skeptical “I’ve taken them all around the gram that hasn’t won a winning those guys were really aggres- with the high school coaches whether the place knows what country to bring them back to season in 15 years, or whatever, sive recruiters. I think Freeze and the people around the com- it takes to compete in the SEC one place,” he said. “And that’s to 10-2. I think he will bring a learned a lot from Orgeron in munity which is big. It’s a plus. West. There is some real skepti- the University of Mississippi.” lot of energy to Ole Miss. His terms of the organizational I think, in terms of the boosters cism of that and that affects the Freeze noted that for him Ole ties to Memphis will help him stuff, the things you need to do, and the different things, Freeze coaching search. If you had told Miss is not a stepping stone to recruiting-wise. I think he is very because at Ole Miss you really has done a really good job in people two weeks ago Ole Miss land him a more high profile job, familiar with the challenges you need to be on players before ev- building those relationships. I was going to get Hugh Freeze, but he said Ole Miss is a place he have at Ole Miss which I think erybody else in the SEC. If you think he is in a good spot there. I think there would have been has dreamed of retiring at. He is important. He’s going to re- are late, that kid is going to go It’s just a matter of taking a low a lot of people nationally who kept referencing the overwhelm- cruit hard. He’ll be aggressive. to the other school and not your program that the recruiting has would have gone, really, this is ing joy he has been given this op- The challenges are going to be school. I think, in that regard, slipped, and I don’t think there it? You know, we will see. There portunity. that he has never been a head he knows that and he learned is a ton of talent. He’s got to fig- has been hires that people So for those who are wary of coach at that level before. Be- very well. That doesn’t mean ure out a quarterback situation. haven’t really expected and kind the hire, I understand your logic, ing a head coach at a Sun Belt he is going to beat other schools It’s very important for him, right shrugged their shoulders at that but give Hugh Freeze a chance. (school) and being a head coach for 4-star and 5-star guys, but it off the bat, to make sure there’s have turned out great. I mean a He’s a man who will do whatev- there (SEC school) is a big dif- makes a challenge. I think that not a lot of attrition. lot of people didn’t know much er it takes to be successful at Ole ference. was a really good experience for AM: What are the real ex- about , and he Miss. Buy in and see what he can AM: What does Freeze him. It was a crash course in re- pectations for next season was a super hire. do with this program.