Auburn reportedly set to hire DJ Durkin as DC

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th January, 23:40 2024

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an Auburn Tigers helmet on the sideline of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. credits: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Durkin, a former head coach at Maryland, will be the new defensive coordinator at Auburn, multiple media outlets reported on Monday.

Durkin, 46, spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Texas A&M. The Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher in November, and new head coach Mike Elko chose Jay Bateman to run his defense.

At Auburn, Durkin will work under head coach Hugh Freeze. Durkin takes the job most recently held by Ron Roberts, who became the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Florida on Jan. 16.

Earlier this month, Auburn added former Colorado assistant Charles Kelly to the staff as co-defensive coordinator.

Durkin produced a 10-15 record as the Terrapins' head coach in 2016 and 2017. The following summer, he was placed on administrative leave by the school, returned, then ultimately was fired in the wake of the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair following a team workout. Durkin was accused of fostering a toxic culture in the program.

Durkin also has had stints as an assistant coach at Notre Dame, Bowling Green, Stanford, Florida, Michigan and Ole Miss.

—Field Level Media

Latest