Hi Michael. I don't know your growing zone and local climate, but here in our orchard (zone 7b; North Georgia Piedmont) we grow all of our figs in ground, and expect them to die back to the ground the first few years.
But they always bounce back stronger each year until they become aclimated and establish a solid hard wood base to grow from.
In colder areas though, it may be necessary to protect the figs more aggressively, or in even colder areas, to grow the figs in pots and take them inside in the winter.
Let everyone know your general location and some one local can give you growing advice and details.
Best wishes.
John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b