Former Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin took a subtle jab at current head coach Hugh Freeze following the Tigers’ recent loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide defeated Auburn 28-14, marking Auburn’s fifth consecutive loss in the storied rivalry and giving Alabama a 7-3 record in their last 10 matchups. This defeat leaves Freeze with a 0-2 record against Alabama since taking over as Auburn’s head coach.

Auburn’s Iron Bowl woes under Freeze began in 2023 when they narrowly lost 27-24 to Alabama. Before his Auburn tenure, Freeze led Ole Miss from 2012 to 2016, achieving a 2-3 record against the Tide. One of the most memorable games came in 2016 when Alabama overcame a three-touchdown deficit to defeat Ole Miss 48-43.

Following Auburn’s most recent loss, Harsin appeared to mock Freeze and the Tigers through a social media post. On X (formerly Twitter), Harsin shared a picture with the caption “Cheers to the winners!” In the image, the reflection in a window revealed Harsin wearing a shirt bearing “LANK,” the name of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s clothing brand. The post drew attention for its timing and perceived criticism of Auburn’s struggles under Freeze.

Harsin, who coached Auburn from 2021 to 2022, had a similarly rocky tenure. In his first season, he led the Tigers to a 6-7 record and a Birmingham Bowl appearance. However, a poor start in 2022, including a loss to Arkansas, dropped the team to 3-5. Harsin was subsequently fired, finishing with an overall record of 9-12.

Freeze’s first two seasons at Auburn have mirrored Harsin’s in many ways. He posted a 6-7 record in his debut season and guided the Tigers to a bowl game. However, in his second year, Auburn finished 5-7 and missed postseason play entirely. The parallels between the two coaches’ tenures have fueled speculation about the Tigers’ direction under Freeze as the program continues to rebuild.