Steve Spurrier predicts assistant coaches will get head coaching jobs this cycle

While head coaches like Lane Kiffin and Eli Drinkwitz are receiving plenty of buzz in connection to college football job openings, there are many assistant coaches across the country who could land massive positions. On Another Dooley Noted Podcast, former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier suggested assistant coaches, such as Auburn interim coach DJ Durkin, will be head coaches next season.

“I sort of believe there will be some assistant coaches that get to be head coaches,” Spurrier said. “Auburn played so well in losing to Vanderbilt a week ago or so, that if they beat Alabama, I would think their defensive coordinator got a chance to be promoted—what—a week or so ago that if they beat Alabama, I would think their defensive coordinator’s got a chance to be promoted. Just wait and see.”

After Auburn fired head coach Hugh Freeze, it promoted defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to interim head coach. In his first game in the role, he almost led Auburn to a massive upset over Vanderbilt, ultimately falling 45-38. Despite the loss, Durkin impressed onlookers, including Spurrier.

In the loss, Auburn scored its most points against a Power Four opponent since its season-opening win over Baylor. Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels made his second straight start. He threw for 353 yards and two TDs, while running for 89 yards and two more scores.

Auburn hired Durkin to be its defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in January 2024. Auburn allowed 330.8 yards per game last season, ranking No. 31 in the country. Durkin’s only previous head coaching experience was at Maryland, where he was the helm from 2016-17.

In his two seasons with the Terrapins, Durkin led the program to a 10-15 overall record and a 5-13 mark in conference play. In August 2018, Maryland placed Durkin on administrative leave after the school came under investigation for the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

McNair collapsed during a football workout on May 29, 2018. According to The Washington Post, McNair arrived to the hospital with a body temperature of 106 °F. While doctors successfully brought McNair’s body temperature down to a safer level, he never recovered and died on June 13, 2018.

Durkin was reinstated as Maryland’s head coach on October 30, 2018. However, the reinstatement was met with massive criticism and public uproar, ultimately leading Maryland president Wallace Loh to fire Durkin the following day.

Earlier this month, Auburn athletic director John Cohen confirmed that Durkin will be a candidate in the school’s search for its next head coach. On Saturday, DJ Durkin will have a chance to pick up his first win as Auburn’s interim coach when the Tigers square off against Mercer at 1 p.m. CT.