Hugh Freeze should invest in Auburn’s three-headed monster that calls plays.

The Auburn Tigers are in the midst of a critical rebuilding process under head coach Hugh Freeze. After a tumultuous few seasons, the program is looking to reestablish its identity as a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and ultimately contend for national championships. One key area that could significantly impact Auburn’s success is the offensive playcalling strategy. Specifically, Freeze should consider fully investing in Auburn’s “three-headed monster” that calls plays, a concept that combines multiple offensive minds into one cohesive, dynamic force.

In this essay, we will explore the potential of Auburn’s playcalling system, examining how the combination of Freeze’s vision, the offensive coordinator’s expertise, and the innovative contributions of position coaches could set the Tigers up for success. Additionally, we will discuss how Freeze can leverage this three-headed system to bring about the offensive consistency that Auburn has lacked in recent years, while simultaneously staying ahead of SEC competition. Finally, we will delve into how this offensive strategy can provide a blueprint for sustained success in a highly competitive conference.

Hugh Freeze: A Coach Who Understands the Importance of Offensive Identity

Hugh Freeze is no stranger to success in the world of college football, having built an impressive reputation as a head coach who knows how to develop high-powered offenses. At Ole Miss, Freeze orchestrated an offense that made waves in the SEC, particularly with explosive quarterbacks like Chad Kelly and Bo Wallace, while also incorporating a fast-paced, no-huddle system that kept defenses on their heels. Freeze’s offensive philosophy is built on adaptability, speed, and creating mismatches across the field. His ability to tailor his schemes to the strengths of his players is one of the reasons why he has been so successful as a playcaller.

In his first season at Auburn, Freeze is tasked with building a new offensive identity. The Tigers have struggled in recent years to develop a consistent, dynamic offense that can compete at the highest level in the SEC. Freeze’s background in offensive scheming, combined with his knowledge of the SEC’s competitive landscape, places him in an ideal position to overhaul Auburn’s offensive system and restore the Tigers to prominence.

However, Freeze does not have to shoulder the burden of playcalling alone. The coaching staff surrounding him provides an invaluable resource that can be harnessed to create a multi-faceted offensive approach. By fully investing in the “three-headed monster” of playcallers, Freeze can build a well-balanced offensive scheme that maximizes the strengths of all the players involved.

The “Three-Headed Monster” Approach

The concept of a “three-headed monster” in offensive playcalling refers to a collaborative approach in which multiple coaches contribute to the game plan, decision-making, and in-game playcalling. Instead of relying on a single offensive coordinator or a sole playcaller, Auburn’s offensive staff can work together to create a diverse and adaptable strategy. This approach could involve Freeze, the offensive coordinator (OC), and the position coaches working in tandem to design and execute the game plan.

At the core of this system is the recognition that football offenses are becoming increasingly complex. Teams are no longer relying on a single coordinator to make all the decisions; instead, the game has evolved into a multifaceted chess match, where the best teams combine various elements of expertise to stay ahead of the competition. Auburn’s offensive coaching staff has the opportunity to implement a collaborative approach that could make the Tigers’ offense one of the most unpredictable and dangerous in the SEC.

Let’s break down how this three-headed playcalling system could work in Auburn’s favor:

1. Hugh Freeze: The Visionary Head Coach

As the head coach and playcaller, Hugh Freeze should take the lead in shaping the overall offensive philosophy and direction of the team. Freeze’s ability to create high-scoring offenses, adapt to changing situations, and exploit mismatches will be crucial to Auburn’s success. His experience as both a head coach and a playcaller gives him the tools to steer the offense in a way that takes full advantage of the personnel at his disposal.

Freeze should focus on creating an offense that is fast-paced, unpredictable, and balanced. The modern college football game is moving toward a more spread-based, pass-oriented style of offense, but it’s essential to maintain a strong running game as well. By investing in a fast, up-tempo system that can push the tempo while also maintaining a power running attack, Freeze can create a dynamic offense that keeps defenses on their toes. Additionally, Freeze’s expertise in the passing game will allow him to devise schemes that get the ball to playmakers in space, whether through quick passes, screen plays, or deep shots downfield.

While Freeze may ultimately have the final say in the playcalling process, his ability to delegate certain responsibilities to the offensive coordinator and position coaches will allow him to focus on the big picture while maintaining a strong presence in critical situations.

2. Offensive Coordinator: The Architect of the Scheme

The offensive coordinator (OC) will play a pivotal role in Auburn’s three-headed playcalling monster. The OC is responsible for developing the playbook, scripting the game plan, and coordinating the overall offensive attack. At Auburn, the OC must work closely with Freeze to ensure that the offense is aligned with the head coach’s vision, but also have the autonomy to make in-game adjustments, particularly when faced with unexpected challenges from opposing defenses.

Auburn’s offensive coordinator needs to possess a deep understanding of the SEC and its defenses, as well as the ability to exploit the weaknesses of opposing teams. The OC’s knowledge of different offensive philosophies—whether it’s a pro-style, spread, or option-based system—will allow Auburn to adjust to various defensive schemes and dictate the tempo of the game. By having a coordinator who is adept at mixing formations, utilizing motion, and maintaining unpredictability, Auburn can avoid becoming predictable and one-dimensional.

One of the key tasks for the OC will be to develop a game plan that maximizes the talent of Auburn’s roster. Whether it’s tailoring the passing attack to fit the strengths of the quarterback or designing a running game that plays to the abilities of the running backs and offensive line, the OC must be adept at making the necessary adjustments throughout the season. The success of the OC in this role will hinge on his ability to work with Freeze and the position coaches to establish a cohesive, adaptable strategy.

3. Position Coaches: The Experts Who Fine-Tune the Execution

While the head coach and offensive coordinator provide the overarching strategy, position coaches are the unsung heroes who fine-tune the execution of each individual player. Auburn’s position coaches—especially the ones working with the quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, and offensive line—play a crucial role in ensuring that the offensive scheme is executed to perfection.

Auburn has a talented roster with several key position groups that need to be maximized. The quarterback position is the most important, and the development of the Tigers’ signal-caller will be crucial to the success of the offense. Whether it’s through coaching technique, mental preparation, or helping the quarterback read defenses, position coaches at Auburn must work tirelessly to ensure that the quarterback is ready to execute the offense at a high level.

The running back position also plays a critical role in Freeze’s offensive philosophy. The Tigers must have a strong running game to balance out the passing attack, and the running backs must be coached to execute the offense’s blocking schemes, read defenses, and run with power and agility. Auburn’s wide receivers and offensive line also need to be coached meticulously, with an emphasis on route running, blocking, and creating running lanes for the backs.

By ensuring that each position group is functioning at its highest level, the position coaches will allow Freeze and the OC to implement their strategies effectively, creating a well-oiled offensive machine that is difficult to stop.

How This Three-Headed System Sets Auburn Up for Success

The investment in a collaborative, multi-coach approach to playcalling could be a game-changer for Auburn. This system provides several key advantages that will allow the Tigers to compete at the highest level:

1. Increased Flexibility: With Freeze, the OC, and position coaches each contributing their expertise, Auburn can implement a more diverse and flexible offensive game plan. This allows the team to adjust to various situations, whether facing a high-powered offense, a tough defense, or a team that excels in special teams.
2. Maximizing Player Potential: Each player on the offense will benefit from a more focused and individualized approach to coaching. The position coaches will be able to develop players to their full potential, while Freeze and the OC can focus on the bigger picture of the offense.
3. Adaptability to Opponents: In the SEC, every team brings its own unique challenges. A three-headed playcalling system allows Auburn to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of its opponents, creating mismatches that can give the Tigers an edge in key games.
4. Collaboration and Innovation: The combined knowledge of Freeze, the OC, and the position coaches fosters a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Auburn can experiment with different offensive styles, making it harder for defenses to predict what they’ll do next.

 A Recipe for Success in the SEC

Hugh Freeze has the opportunity to implement a groundbreaking offensive system at Auburn by investing in the three-headed monster of playcallers. By combining his expertise with the contributions of the offensive coordinator and position coaches, Freeze can create a dynamic, adaptable offense that can succeed in the ultra-competitive SEC. This collaborative approach will not only help Auburn defeat its SEC opponents but will also set the Tigers up for sustained success in the years to come.

As Auburn continues its rebuilding process, the investment in this offensive playcalling system could be the key to returning to prominence in college football. With Freeze at the helm and a coaching staff that is ready to work together toward a common goal, Auburn has the tools to build a high-powered offense that will compete with the best teams in the nation.