Hugh Freeze hired as Liberty head coach

Liberty announced the hiring of Hugh Freeze as its next head coach on Friday.

Freeze will reportedly receive a five-year contract, per Bruce Feldman of the Athletic.

"I've sat out of football the better part of two years, that's given me time to reflect," Freeze said at his introductory press conference, via CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd. "I can’t wait to get started. I'm more determined than ever, more dedicated than ever," he added.

The 49-year-old will replace Turner Gill, who announced his retirement from coaching on Monday after his wife was diagnosed with a heart condition.

Freeze hasn't coached since the 2016 season. He led Ole Miss to plenty of success during his five-year tenure, but resigned in July 2017 after program administrators discovered his university-issued cell phone had been used to contact a female escort service. The Rebels also received a two-year bowl ban as well as other punishments for numerous recruiting violations that occurred during his tenure, including providing financial benefits to players.

He amassed a 39-25 overall record with the SEC squad, earned a Sugar Bowl victory after the 2015 season, and beat a Nick Saban-led Alabama team twice.

Freeze made a public appearance at Liberty in January and was immediately rumored to be in contention for its head coaching vacancy when Gill resigned.

The Flames are scheduled to visit Ole Miss for a November matchup in 2021.