There are few things more important in Tuscaloosa or Auburn than the Iron Bowl. The historic rivalry has seen many different stars in recent years and, at least on one sideline, its fair share of head coaches.

Since Nick Saban relaunched the Alabama dynasty in 2007, only three Tigers coaches have taken down the Tide: Tommy Tuberville in 2007, Gene Chizik in 2010 and Gus Malzahn thrice (2013, 2017, 2019). Of them, only Malhzan has successfully won on his first try. Like that six-point win in 2013, Hugh Freeze’s first Iron Bowl will be at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

“The Iron Bowl is what it is. I don’t have to be educated on that. I’ve been a part of some big rivalries and understand that in most polls this would be No. 1. I know what it means to the people that support our university and our football program,” Freeze said at SEC Media Days in Nashville. ” … I’ve always taken great pride in walking into a new program and saying, ‘Listen, they currently are the gold standard and this is what we want to be.’ We welcome that opportunity and we welcome that challenge. I have great respect for Nick, he’s actually a good friend.”

Freeze nearly joined Saban’s staff in 2018, even going as far as to have a meeting to discuss a role as co-offensive coordinator. But Freeze’s controversial ending at Ole Miss, where he resigned following multiple NCAA infractions, led to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey preventing the hire.

When Freeze was introduced on the Plains in 2022, he noted his respect for Saban but hoped he was “a little nervous” for the rivalry. Freeze is 3-2 against Alabama, dating back to his time with the Rebels.

Bryan Harsin nearly took down the Tide in a 24-22 quadruple-overtime marathon. Last season, then-interim head coach Cadillac Williams brought an invigorated group to Bryant-Denny Stadium but ultimately fell short. The 88th edition of the Iron Bowl will take place on Nov. 25.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].