New Auburn coach Alex Golesh is retaining defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who led the crew as interim head coach down the stretch and was a high candidate for the everlasting function.
Golesh, employed Sunday by Auburn, stated in a press release that preserving Durkin was “a straightforward name.” Durkin has been Auburn’s defensive coordinator the previous two seasons and took over as interim coach Nov. 2 following the firing of Hugh Freeze. He entered final week’s Iron Bowl recreation in opposition to rival Alabama as an choice for the everlasting function, together with his candidacy strengthened by an upset win over the Tide, sources stated. Auburn misplaced 27-20 to complete its season at 5-7.
Golesh, who like Durkin is from Ohio, stated their relationship stretches again greater than 20 years.
“We’re lucky to retain one of many high defensive minds in faculty soccer right here on The Plains,” Golesh stated in a press release. “He is an elite chief, unbelievable father and husband and will likely be phenomenal chief on the defensive facet of the ball. We’ve got nice respect for one another. Time to go to work.”
Durkin beforehand held coordinator stints at Texas A&M and Ole Miss earlier than coming to Auburn. He served as Maryland’s coach from 2016 to 2018. Auburn’s protection ranks thirty first nationally in yards allowed and thirty second in factors allowed.
Requested Monday at his introductory information convention about Durkin, Golesh stated he “had a plan” and hoped to have one thing finalized by Wednesday.
“Coach Golesh and I’ve identified one another very long time and I’ve received plenty of respect for him, his groups and the best way they work,” Durkin stated in a press release. “I am enthusiastic about what he’ll carry to Auburn and grateful for the possibility to work alongside him. I like this group of gamers, and it mattered to me to maintain pushing ahead with what they’ve already began.”
Golesh is bringing a number of employees members with him to Auburn from South Florida, together with offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, sources stated.