Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Auburn

Alex Golesh releases statement on decision to retain DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz12/02/25NickSchultz_7

As he takes over at Auburn, Alex Golesh has his defensive coordinator. As On3 | Rivals’ AuburnSports first reported, DJ Durkin is staying in the role.

Durkin served as the defensive coordinator under Hugh Freeze before taking over as the interim head coach to close out the 2025 season. He was also squarely in the mix for the full-time job, On3 previously reported, before Auburn hired Golesh following an Iron Bowl loss to Alabama.

In a statement Tuesday, Golesh confirmed Durkin would be coming back. That provides continuity on defense for the Tigers as a new era begins.

“Choosing to keep DJ on our staff was an easy call,” Golesh said in a statement. “Our relationship goes back more than 20 years to our roots in Ohio, we have worked with some of the same men, and we’e competed against each other in this great league. We are fortunate to retain one of the top defensive minds in college football here on The Plains.

“He’s an elite leader, incredible father and husband and will be [a] phenomenal leader on the defensive side of the ball. We have great respect for each other. Time to go to work.”

Under Durkin’s watch this season, Auburn’s defense ranked seventh in the SEC with 329.2 yards allowed and eighth with 20.7 points allowed. He also commented on the decision to retain him, expressing his excitement to stay at Auburn under Golesh’s leadership.

“Coach Golesh and I have known each other [a] long time and I’ve got a lot of respect for him, his teams and the way they work,” Durkin said in a statement. I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to Auburn and grateful for the chance to work alongside him. I love this group of players, and it mattered to me to keep pushing forward with what they have already started.

“The support my family and I have felt from the Auburn community has been unbelievable. This is home for us. I’m thankful for the Auburn Family and everything they’ve shown us over the last month, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Tuesday’s announcement came after Alex Golesh addressed his plans for the defensive staff. He made it clear there was a plan for DJ Durkin and teased a quick announcement.

“We’ve got a plan,” Golesh said. “We’re working through steps to execute the plan. My hope is that in the next, call it, 24 or 48 hours, that gets finalized and we have some clarity with which direction we’re going.”