The Auburn Tigers recently extended defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, and fans can thank Ohio State for that one, as the Buckeyes had their eyes set on stealing him away.
Ohio State Aggressive Pursuit of D.J. Durkin Forced Hugh Freeze’s Hand
The way the game works in any sort of negotiation period is that the person who is looking for the deal can sometimes have the ability to use leverage.
With the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes looking to find a new defensive coordinator after former DC Jim Knowles bolted to join James Franklin’s staff at Penn State this offseason, they reportedly had their eyes set on hiring Durkin.
But, according to insider Brian Stultz, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was not going to let that happen as he now has given his top assistant a multi-year extension that essentially more than doubles his salary.
Reason for DJ Durkin's raise and extension?
Per sources, it was because Ohio State came in with an offer trying to pry him away from Auburn. Hugh Freeze wasn't going to let that happen.
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) February 10, 2025
D.J. Durkin’s Track Record
The 47-year-old Durkin has been one of the brightest minds in college football from a defensive perspective for years.
He has been a defensive coordinator under the likes of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M. He was also a position coach under both Urban Meyer at Florida and Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.
Durkin also has head coaching experience, having served as the interim head coach at Florida in 2014 and the Maryland head coach from 2016-2018. He posted an 11-15 record across the three years.
This past season at Auburn, despite the team’s disappointing record of just 5-7, Durkin led the Tigers to a solid season on defense.
According to ESPN, out of 134 FBS teams, the unit finished the season ranked 31st in yards allowed per game (330.8), 28th in scoring defense (21.3), and 14th in opposing completion percentage allowed (56.2%).
The reality is that Freeze had no choice and made the right call. Sometimes, you have to pay up to keep your best coaches and players. That is especially true in this era of college football.
In a loaded conference where anything can happen on any given Saturday, you need the best and most experienced minds with you.
KEEP READING: Auburn Gaining Momentum on the Recruiting Trail
Freeze has his defensive coordinator back but must now find a way to have a bounce-back season down in Auburn. He has posted back-to-back losing seasons and needs to steer the ship back in the right direction.
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