The quest for a new defensive coordinator at Auburn seems to be approaching a resolution, as former Texas A&M assistant D.J. Durkin is reportedly being considered, according to information from Matt Zenitz. Durkin, who served as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the past two seasons, is emerging as a potential candidate.
The vacancy for the defensive coordinator position at Auburn arose in early January when Ron Roberts left for a similar role at Florida, following just one season with the Tigers under head coach Hugh Freeze. In response to this change, Auburn announced the return of Charles Kelly, a former Tigers football player and experienced coach, as a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the upcoming 2024 season.
Despite a commendable defensive performance by Auburn in the 2023 season, ranking seventh in the SEC in scoring defense and sixth in opposing quarterback rating, there were challenges in the run defense, which struggled for consistency by allowing the fourth-highest yards per carry in the conference.
Durkin, aged 45, brings previous SEC coaching experience from his time at Ole Miss (2020-21) and Florida (2010-14). He also served as the head coach at Maryland for two seasons (2016-17) but faced controversy and termination following the death of Terrapins offensive lineman Jordan McNair. Durkin has a successful track record as a defensive coordinator at Michigan (2015) and Florida, with earlier coaching positions at Bowling Green (2005-06) and Stanford (2007-09).
In his first season with Texas A&M, Durkin led a defense that topped the nation in fewest passing yards allowed per game (156.2), showcasing a strong performance with opponents held to less than 150 yards passing in multiple games. The Aggies ranked 17th nationally and fourth in the SEC in passing defensive efficiency (117.1), contributing to their overall rank of 22nd in points allowed per game (20.7) during the 2022 season.
Texas A&M’s defensive performance in 2023 saw them ranked 36th nationally in scoring defense (22.1), while they excelled in limiting opponents to 108.77 yards rushing per game, the 14th-fewest in the FBS. Although there was a slight dip in pass defense, they still held opponents to 207.4 yards per game through the air.
Auburn has recently filled its vacant offensive coordinator position by appointing Derrick Nix, a longtime Ole Miss assistant, last week. As Auburn heads into the 2024 season under Hugh Freeze’s second year of leadership, new coordinators have been brought in on both sides of the ball. Freeze acknowledged the ongoing evaluation of the coaching staff, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of improvement.
Auburn kicks up the 2024 season against Alabama A&M on August 31 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.