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Hugh Freeze explains a mature decision with a humble brag

The days of head coaches turning over play-calling duties completely to an offensive coordinator and not monitoring those calls probably ended with the 1997 Iron Bowl. That night, trying to protect a late lead and run out the clock, Alabama threw a screen pass. Auburn forced a fumble and recovered it. The Tigers turned the turnover into a game-winning field goal.

Alabama offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who would go on to bigger and better things, called the screen. Alabama head coach Mike Dubose, in an early example of what would become a string of dubious decisions, admitted he was unaware of the call.

That won’t be the case with Auburn’s new staff. Hugh Freeze has a strong track record of calling plays himself, particularly against Nick Saban defenses, and though he’s delegating those duties primarily to offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, he will remain aware and involved.

Freeze explained his decision with a tremendous humble brag.