Liberty football head coach Hugh Freeze is reportedly set to return to the SEC.

According to ESPN's Chris Low, Freeze has agreed to a deal to become the next head coach at Auburn. He had previously coached at Ole Miss from 2012 to 2016. He resigned prior to the 2017 season after admitting to personal misconduct.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Saturday that Freeze and Auburn had informally been engaged in contract discussions for "more than a week," with an offer expected to come after Saturday's Iron Bowl against No. 7 Alabama. The Tigers lost the game 49-27 to end the regular season with a 5-7 record and 2-6 conference record, ranking sixth in the SEC West.

Freeze coached Liberty to an 8-4 record this season, though the Flames ended the year with three consecutive losses.