Alabama Football: ‘Outside the box’ thinking excludes Hugh Freeze as OC

Hugh Freeze as a Quarterback Coach

What has Hugh Freeze done other than beat Nick Saban twice? Has he developed quarterbacks at Arkansas State, Ole Miss and Liberty? Malik Willis had a strong season at Liberty in 2020. He may or not have an NFL future.

Reviewing his Ole Miss QBs is the best way to analyze the quarterback development talent of Freeze. Bo Wallace broke a bunch of Ole Miss records, as a powerful runner and an inconsistent passer. Chad Kelly and Shea Patterson played well for Freeze. Wallace finished his Ole Miss career with 140.8 Passing Efficiency Rating (PER). Tracking the same stat for Chad Kelly shows his best season was his first at Ole Miss at 155.9, dropping to 147.4 in his senior year. The best rating for Shea Patterson’s two Ole Miss seasons was 151.5, in the year after Hugh Freeze departed.

The NFL resume for the three Freeze, Ole Miss quarterbacks is one game by Chad Kelly. Bo Wallace became a community college Offensive Coordinator. Chad Kelly was ‘Mr. Irrevevant’ as the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Shea Patterson became an undrafted free agent.

Compare the PER numbers for three Alabama football quarterbacks over the last four seasons. Jalen Hurts had a 196.7; Tua had 199.4 and 206.9 and Mac Jones has had 186.80 and 203. No doubt, Crimson Tide QBs were blessed with more talent. Alabama football Offensive Coordinators also developed that talent. Hugh Freeze has no history of being able to do the same.

Those wanting a broader history of Freeze’s Ole Miss career can read what we published over three years ago.