Durkin staying as defensive coordinator

AUBURN | DJ Durkin will remain Auburn’s defensive coordinator under new head coach Alex Golesh, the school announced Tuesday.

Durkin has guided the Tigers to top 35 finishes in scoring and total defense the past two seasons despite an offense that struggled to maintain drives throughout most of the season.

“Choosing to keep DJ on our staff was an easy call,” said Golesh. “Our relationship goes back more than 20 years to our roots in Ohio, we have worked with some of the same men, and we’ve 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 phenomenal leader on the defensive side of the ball. We have great respect for each other. Time to go to work.”

The move should have a positive impact on AU’s roster for next season. Durkin is a talented recruiter who has secured commitments from several top defensive players that are scheduled to sign with the Tigers on Wednesday. He should also play a key part in AU being able to retain a talented group of young defenders that signed in back-to-back top 10 classes in 2024 and 25.

“Coach Golesh and I have known each other long time and I’ve got a lot of respect for him, his teams and the way they work,” said Durkin. “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.”

Durkin is expected to have a salary in the neighborhood of $3 million per year.