AUBURN – Auburn has hired DJ Durkin as its defensive coordinator, filling the vacancy left by Ron Roberts earlier this month. Chris Low of ESPN was the first to break the news.
Durkin will serve as co-defensive coordinator alongside Charles Kelly, who was named to the position on January 12.
Durkin brings more than 20 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level and most recently served as defensive coordinator for Texas A&M.
During the 2023 season, Texas A&M's defense allowed only 21.3 points per game, placing it at No. 33 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC. Additionally, the Aggies allowed only 295 yards per game on average, placing them at No. 9 nationally and No. 1 in the SEC.
Durkin filled various roles on Florida's coaching staff from 2010-2014 including linebackers coach, special teams coach, defensive coordinator and interim head coach after Will Muschamp was fired.
Durkin was hired as Michigan's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2015.
From 2016-2018, Durkin was the head coach of Maryland. He was fired midway through the 2018 season after a scandal involving the death of a player.
In 2019, Durkin was hired as a consultant by the Atlanta Falcons.
Durkin returned to the collegiate ranks in 2020 where he served as Ole Miss' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for two seasons before being hired by Texas A&M.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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