Lou Holtz
August 21, 2025
Coach Lou Holtz and Hugh Freeze on Faith, Redemption, and Leading with Purpose in Modern College Football
In this heartfelt conversation, Coach Lou Holtz welcomes Auburn’s Head Coach Hugh Freeze for a powerful dialogue about faith, redemption, and shaping young men through the game of football. Coach Freeze shares how growing up on a dairy farm—and witnessing the influence of coaches in his community—set him on a lifelong path of leadership through service.
The two coaching veterans reflect on the lasting impact of high school coaching, the importance of humility in leadership, and why true influence comes from walking alongside others, not towering over them. Freeze opens up about the personal trials that deepened his faith, restored his family, and refined his mission as a leader of young men.
They also dive into the challenges facing today’s game: the shifting culture around college athletics, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and how today’s players are often caught between entitlement and emptiness. Coach Freeze explains how he incorporates Scripture—especially the wisdom of Proverbs—into his coaching to instill discipline, resilience, and moral clarity.
This episode offers a rich and sincere discussion on what it means to lead with conviction in a culture that often rewards shortcuts. From personal testimony to practical insights, Coach Freeze reminds us that coaching done right doesn’t just win games—it shapes lives. Tune in for a conversation rooted in faith, leadership, and the enduring power of doing things the right way.