Hugh Freeze Faces Challenge in Explaining D.J. Durkin’s Departure as Auburn’s Defensive Coordinator Search Nears Conclusion
The quest for Auburn’s next defensive coordinator appears to be drawing to a close, with reports indicating that former Texas A&M assistant D.J. Durkin is a prime candidate for the role, according to information provided by Matt Zenitz.
Durkin, who spent the last two seasons with the Aggies, held the dual responsibilities of linebackers coach and defensive coordinator during his tenure.
The vacancy at the defensive coordinator position for Auburn arose in early January when Ron Roberts departed for a similar role at Florida, having spent just one season with the Tigers under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze.
In response to Roberts’ departure, Auburn announced the return of Charles Kelly, a former Tigers football player and seasoned coach, as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the upcoming 2024 season.
While Auburn showcased a commendable defensive performance in the 2023 season, ranking seventh in scoring defense and sixth in opposing quarterback rating in the SEC, concerns lingered about the run defense’s consistency, allowing the fourth-highest yards per carry in the conference.
D.J. Durkin, 45, brings SEC coaching experience from his time at Ole Miss (2020-21) and Florida (2010-14).
His coaching career faced a significant hurdle during his tenure as the head coach at Maryland (2016-17) when he was placed on administrative leave following the tragic death of Terrapins offensive lineman Jordan McNair, eventually leading to his dismissal amid program backlash.
Durkin boasts successful stints as a defensive coordinator at Michigan (2015) and Florida, as well as prior coaching positions at Bowling Green (2005-06) and Stanford (2007-09).
In his initial season with Texas A&M, Durkin led a defense that topped the national rankings for fewest passing yards allowed per game (156.2), holding opponents to under 150 yards passing in six games, including three with less than 100 yards.
The Aggies secured the 17th spot nationally and fourth in the SEC in passing defensive efficiency (117.1) during the 2022 season, with a commendable 22nd rank in points allowed per game (20.7).
However, the Aggies faced a slight dip in their defensive performance in 2023, ranking 36th nationally in scoring defense (22.1).
Despite holding opponents to the 14th-fewest rushing yards per game (108.77) in the FBS, there was a minor regression in pass defense, allowing 207.4 yards per game through the air.
Auburn recently addressed its vacant offensive coordinator position by appointing Derrick Nix, a longtime Ole Miss assistant.
With both offensive and defensive coordinators now in place, Hugh Freeze, entering his second year at the helm of the Tigers, acknowledges the continuous evaluation process, expressing a commitment to improvement amid the challenges of recruiting.
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