By Myra Bean

Ole Miss announced Hugh Freeze has been tabbed as the 37th head coach following a “long” three-week search.

Freeze was offered and accepted the position Sunday night, according to search committee co-chair, Mike Glenn in a press conference Monday afternoon.

However, rumors that Freeze was the committee’s selection was on Facebook Saturday evening and brought forth more negative than positive comments on the former Rebel assistant coach.

With a fiery, passionate speech about his return to Ole Miss which was reminiscent of a church sermon, Freeze seemed to have convinced the present crowd of media, family, students, faculty and alumni that he was the man for the job. He spoke of being a “Family – Family, Attitude, Mental Toughness, Integrity, Love and You”. That includes the team, coaches and the fanbase.

He announced Chris Kiffin will join him on defense. Dave Womack is the defensive coordinator. An offensive coordinator will be announced later.

As head coach of Arkansas State this past year, Freeze coached the team to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Godaddy.com Bowl on January 8 in Mobile, Ala.

Arkansas State made the announcement of Freeze’s decision to leave the school Monday afternoon also.
When introducing Freeze, Glenn said the search firm director said Freeze has “it”, as in what Ole Miss is looking for in a coach.

Freeze is working on getting the rest of his staff together to take advantage of the recruitment window still open for the staff.