<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Auburn football coaching candidates: Hugh Freeze, Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian and more

The largest domino of college football's coaching carousel unexpectedly fell on Sunday, when Auburn fired coach Gus Malzahn after eight seasons.

Malzahn, who finished with a record of 68-34 and reached the BCS National Championship Game in his first season in 2013, will be owed $21.7 million to buy out the remainder of his contract.

While Auburn stands in the shadows of SEC juggernaut Alabama in its own state, it's still one of the more attractive FBS jobs in the country because of its resources, tradition and recruiting base.

Where might the Tigers turn to replace Malzahn? Here are some of the candidates who will likely be considered:

Hugh Freeze

Age: 51
Current position: Head coach, Liberty