The search for a new defensive coordinator at Auburn seems to be drawing to a close, as reports from Matt Zenitz suggest that D.J. Durkin, a former assistant at Texas A&M, is emerging as a potential candidate. Durkin, who spent the last two seasons with the Aggies, took on the dual role of linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.
The vacancy for the defensive coordinator position at Auburn arose in early January when Ron Roberts left to assume a similar role at Florida after just one season with the Tigers under head coach Hugh Freeze. In response to this departure, Auburn announced the return of Charles Kelly, a former Tigers football player and experienced coach, who will serve as a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the upcoming 2024 season.
Despite a solid overall defensive performance in 2023, with Auburn ranking seventh in scoring defense and sixth in opposing quarterback rating within the SEC, there were challenges in maintaining consistency in the run defense. Auburn allowed the fourth-highest yards per carry in the conference during that season.
At the age of 45, D.J. Durkin brings extensive coaching experience in the SEC, having previously worked at Ole Miss from 2020 to 2021 and at Florida from 2010 to 2014. Durkin served as the head coach at Maryland for two seasons (2016-17) but faced controversy and eventual termination following the tragic death of Terrapins offensive lineman Jordan McNair, coupled with criticism surrounding his return to the program.
His successful track record includes notable stints as a defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2015 and at Florida, along with earlier coaching roles at Bowling Green from 2005 to 2006 and Stanford from 2007 to 2009.
During his first season at Texas A&M, Durkin led a highly effective defense that topped the nation in fewest passing yards allowed per game at 156.2. The Aggies held opponents to less than 150 yards passing in six games, including three with less than 100 yards. Furthermore, Texas A&M ranked 17th nationally and fourth in the SEC in passing defensive efficiency (117.1). In the 2022 season, the Aggies also stood out by ranking 22nd in points allowed per game (20.7).
In the subsequent season (2023), Texas A&M maintained a solid defensive performance, ranking 36th nationally in scoring defense with 22.1 points allowed per game. Their run defense was particularly noteworthy, limiting opponents to 108.77 rushing yards per game, which ranked 14th-fewest in the FBS. While the pass defense saw a slight decline, opponents were still held to 207.4 passing yards per game.
Auburn has recently addressed its vacant offensive coordinator position by bringing in Derrick Nix, a seasoned assistant coach with a long tenure at Ole Miss. This move completes the overhaul of coordinators for the Tigers, with both offensive and defensive sides seeing new faces under head coach Hugh Freeze, who is entering his second year at the helm.
Hugh Freeze, reflecting on his staff during a December interview before Auburn’s bowl game, acknowledged the challenges of making ideal hires amidst the demands of recruiting. He expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “I don’t know that I ever feel like I took over a program and I got every single hire in the whole building right the first time. Because you’re just so crazy with recruiting. So I think there’s always the evaluation from our chair of can we improve ourselves some way.” Freeze recognizes the ongoing need for assessment and improvement within the coaching staff, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the college football landscape.
