A college coaching agent recently put it best when discussing Auburn , a program that won the national title in 2010 and played for another three years, but also one that has fluctuated sharply in performance and endured more than its share of dysfunction.

"There is something about the place that has an incredible draw, because you know what it can be," the agent said. "There is always a window where you can justify taking Auburn."

For Hugh Freeze, the Auburn job was a no-brainer. A chance to return to the SEC, flex his recruiting prowess and ideally compete for College Football Playoff spots. While the Freeze hire was controversial, it made sense from a football and "fit" standpoint. Freeze had elevated Ole Miss in performance and recruiting, and twice beat Nick Saban's Alabama te

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