Liberty coach Hugh Freeze said he isn’t interested in leaving his current role, despite his name being mentioned for the open head coach job at South Carolina.
“I won’t even entertain things of that nature at this point,” Freeze said in an interview that aired Saturday on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
“I’m at total peace with staying here, as long as they’ll have me.”
Less than two weeks ago, Liberty extended Freeze’s contract through the 2026 season. Financial terms were not announced, but ESPN said he will be one of the five highest-paid non-Power 5 coaches in college football, which would put his salary in excess of $3 million per year.
He reportedly is earning $2 million this season, his second at the Lynchburg, Va., school.
His Flames (8-0) are ranked No. 21 entering Saturday night’s scheduled game at North Carolina State (5-3).
Freeze, 51, has experience in the Southeastern Conference, coaching Ole Miss to a 39-25 record and three bowl wins over five seasons (2012-16). He resigned before the 2017 season after the school discovered he had used his business cellphone to make calls to an escort service.
Liberty gave him an opportunity to be a head coach again.
“I am thankful for the strong commitment and support from President (Jerry) Prevo and our leadership and look forward to continuing to build this program,” Freeze said when his contract was announced. “Our family along with the coaching staff, support personnel and players are grateful to have the opportunity to represent this University.”
South Carolina fired Will Muschamp last Sunday after a 59-42 loss to Ole Miss. The Gamecocks are 2-5 on the season.
Muschamp was scheduled to earn $4.6 million this season, though he agreed to a reduction of five percent as a cost-saving measure amid the coronavirus pandemic.
