Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze expressed his continued affection for Bo Wallace, the former Ole Miss quarterback, despite Wallace’s recent critical remarks on social media. Wallace, who currently serves as the offensive coordinator at University School in Jackson, Tennessee, took to social media last Saturday following Auburn’s 24-14 loss to the University of Arkansas, directing pointed comments at Freeze.
After the game, Freeze’s remarks about the need for a quarterback who could minimize turnovers seemed to provoke Wallace’s response. Both Hank Brown and Payton Thorne struggled during the game, with Brown throwing three interceptions and Thorne adding one to that tally. This prompted Wallace to publicly voice his frustrations, suggesting that Freeze was excessively critical of his quarterbacks, potentially discouraging future players from wanting to join the program.
Wallace’s social media post questioned Freeze’s accountability, stating, “We’re approaching the point that he’s thrown so many QBs under the bus, that maybe no one wants to play for him??” He expressed gratitude for how Freeze’s offensive system had helped him achieve impressive statistics, especially after suffering a shoulder injury. However, Wallace also criticized Freeze for blaming others after losses while seemingly taking sole credit in victories, saying he watches press conferences just to count how often Freeze uses the word “I.
He further lamented his own sacrifices for Freeze’s success, claiming, “But that dude has never helped me a day in his life. It was always only about getting a win for him so he could collect his extra 100 racks a win.” He revealed that he played through significant pain, utilizing various medications and injections to compete. “If y’all knew the medications and shots I was taking to get that man his money, you wouldn’t believe they would let you walk on a field like that,” he wrote. Wallace concluded his tirade by expressing fatigue over what he sees as a pattern of Freeze blaming his players: “Just tired of this dude always blaming players….EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.”
When Freeze was asked about Wallace’s comments during a Wednesday SEC coaches’ conference call, he stated, “I’m not on social media anymore. I have an account, but I don’t have it on my phone or anything.” He indicated that he wasn’t fully aware of the specifics of Wallace’s criticisms and suggested that it was perhaps for the best. Nonetheless, he maintained that his feelings for Wallace remain strong, saying, “I did talk with Bo and love him as much as I ever have and wish nothing but the best for him.”
Freeze refrained from attacking Wallace, acknowledging that people are entitled to their opinions based on their experiences. He praised Wallace’s contributions, asserting, “I’ll continue to say he’s probably the most important recruit I ever had at Ole Miss at that juncture of that program, and I’m really proud of what he did while he was there.” He also noted that Wallace is excelling in his current role as a high school coach.
The relationship between Freeze and Wallace began in 2010 when they were first together at Arkansas State, where Wallace was a freshman quarterback under Freeze’s guidance as the offensive coordinator. Wallace later transferred to East Mississippi Community College before joining Ole Miss, where he became the starting quarterback for three seasons from 2012 to 2014. This history adds depth to their relationship, suggesting that while there may be tension now, their shared past holds significant meaning.
Overall, Freeze’s response reflects a blend of professional respect and personal connection, even amidst criticism from someone he once coached. While Wallace’s frustration may resonate with some players who feel similarly underappreciated or blamed, Freeze’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship, despite the critiques, illustrates the complexities of coaching and player dynamics in college football.