It’s been a busy 24 hours for Auburn’s new head coach, Alex Golesh.
And on his list of “to-dos” is putting a staff in place, something he said he wants to have done in the next 24 to 48 hours at his opening press conference on Monday.
Of course, one of the first questions directed at Golesh was whether he would retain DJ Durkin – Auburn’s interim head coach for the last three games of the 2025 season and defensive coordinator of two years. The two were reported to have met on Sunday evening regarding Durkin’s future with the program.
“I'm working through it,” Golesh said. “We've got a plan. We're working through the steps to execute the plan. My hope is that in the next 24 to 48 hours, it's finalized and we have some clarity with which direction we're going.”
Durkin has elevated the Tigers’ defense to higher heights in two years on the Plains. Auburn finished No. 31 nationally in total defense, 32nd in scoring defense and was a top-15 unit defending the run.
He was one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the nation with a $2.5 million annual salary.
It has been reported by various outlets that Golesh will bring some of his staffers over from USF, including former Auburn wide receiver and 2010 national champion Kodi Burns. Burns, who spent last season as Golesh’s wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator at USF, will be an associate head coach at Auburn, per Golesh.
“Kodi has talked about how incredible this place is, and what Auburn University means to his life” said Golesh. “Kodi has been by my side for so long. He is as incredible as they come as a teammate for me, as a teammate for our staff. Elite teacher, elite man and an elite football coach. So, talk about a guy who's happy to be here. I'm beyond excited to be able to be a part of bringing Kodi back home and and he'll have pointers for me forever.”
CBSSports has also reported that Golesh will bring USF’s offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick, cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke and head strength and conditioning coach George Courides.
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