Hugh Freeze built Liberty into a top-25 team in just two seasons, taking over a roster of players that were overlooked by other FBS schools and won big, including a huge victory at Virginia Tech this past season.

Freeze apparently has Auburn’s attention, as they look to replace Gus Malzahn who was fired before the Tigers shortly after their regular season ended.

Sources tell 247 Sports that officials at Auburn have reached out to the former Ole Miss coach.

The coaching search has been a difficult one for the Tigers. Clemson coach Brent Venables, UAB coach Bill Clark, and Louisiana coach Billy Napier all have been in consideration, but have failed to come to terms.

With Freeze at the helm, Liberty is 17-6, including 9-1 heading into the bowl season in 2020. The Flames moved to the FBS level in 2019 and advanced to the Cure Bowl, which they won, in Freeze’s first season. In addition, Liberty has a pair of wins against ACC teams this season, including a walk-off field goal at Virginia Tech.

Freeze does have some baggage, having led Ole Miss for five seasons before resigning in the middle of a personal and professional controversy. The Rebels received three years of probation and a two-year postseason ban for lack of institutional control tied to an “unconstrained culture of booster involvement” with football recruitment.

Whether any other candidates in consideration for the job at Auburn are still in the mix, and if any are seriously considering the job is uncertain at this time.