Auburn expected to hire Durkin as new DC

Durkin is anticipated to join Auburn as a new DC.
Auburnundercover has heard that D.J. Durkin is anticipated to take over as defensive coordinator at Auburn.

Hugh Freeze has tapped veteran defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to take over as the defensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers. A source has confirmed this to Auburnundercover.com. Durkin has worked as a coordinator in the Southeastern Conference for the last four seasons, first at Ole Miss and then at Texas A&M the last two seasons.

After playing for Bowling Green from 1997 to 2000, Durkin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma university. He then took the same position at Notre Dame before coming back to Bowling Green in 2005 as a full assistant. When he arrived to Stanford in 2007 to teach under Jim Harbaugh, it was his first significant break. Before moving to Florida to rejoin Urban Meyer, the man he initially worked with at Bowling Green, he spent three seasons there.

Taking over for Dan Quinn, Durkin led the Gators’ defense in 2013–14 under Will Muschamp. In 2015, he relocated to Michigan as the defensive coordinator, then in 2016, he was given the opportunity to become the head coach at Maryland. After two seasons as the Terps’ coach, he was let go due to backlash over Jordan McNair’s death after a practice.

Durkin was hired at Ole Miss, where he coached for two seasons before moving to Texas A&M, after consulting with the Atlanta Falcons the previous season.

The Aggies had a strong defense last season, placing 19th in the nation in total defense, despite a squad that struggled and ultimately resulted in Jimbo Fisher’s dismissal. Durkin’s defense at Texas A&M finished 25th in the nation in scoring defense during his rookie campaign.

Durkin’s defense at Texas A&M led the country in allowing the fewest passing yards per game (156.2) during his rookie campaign. In six games, including three under 100 yards, the Aggies held their opponents under 150 yards through the air. Texas A&M was ranked No. 22 in the country for allowing 20.7 points per game, which was fourth in the SEC, and No. 17 in the country for passing defense efficiency (117.10).

Apart from his vast knowledge in the industry, Durkin has also demonstrated proficiency in the recruitment trail. Nine top-25 classes, including five that were in the top 10 nationally, were attained with Durkin’s assistance. Durkin helped Florida land nine five-star players and four consecutive top-11 recruiting classes when he was there.

Before coming to Oxford, Durkin was head coach of Maryland in 2016 and 2017 and worked as a consultant with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL for one season in 2018. In his first season in charge, he doubled the Terrapins’ winning total. He also proved successful in the recruiting process, leading the team to consecutive top-30 signing classes for the first time in the history of the program.

Durkin, who has experience coaching linebackers, is anticipated to work with current linebacker coach Josh Aldridge to instruct the Tigers’ inside or outside linebackers. The positions need to be clarified yet.

More is on the way…