The Auburn Tigers and football head coach Hugh Freeze have hired DJ Durkin as their defensive coordinator, and the transaction is making headlines due to Durkin's past.
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Hugh Freeze is hiring DJ Durkin to be @AuburnFootball’s DC, sources tell ESPN. It will be Durkin’s fourth different stint as a DC in the SEC. He was at Texas A&M the past two seasons, Ole Miss the two seasons prior to that and Florida in 2013-14.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 30, 2024
As ESPN's Chris Low points out, Durkin has been a defensive coordinator for three other Southeastern Conference teams: Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Florida.
As Low also points out, Durkin was with Texas A&M the past two seasons and at Ole Miss for two seasons before that, but then there's a gap between then and when he was with Florida in 2013-14. And that period is what's causing some chatter online.
Following his time at Florida, he was with Michigan, then took the head coaching job at Maryland, where he worked from 2016-2018.
During Durkin's stint at Maryland, offensive lineman Jordan McNair passed away. McNair, 19, was hospitalized in May 2018 with signs of heatstroke and exhaustion, and he died two weeks later.
After McNair passed away, Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August of that year and placed under investigation in connection with allegations about a toxic environment. He came back 80 days later in October but was eventually fired following a backlash over his reinstatement.
From there, he served as a consultant with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 before his gigs with Ole Miss, Texas A&M and, now, with Auburn.
As defensive coordinator for the Aggies last year, Durkin's defense allowed 23.1 points (39th) and 322.5 total yards (19th) per game.
Fans on X offered varying opinions of the hire.
Just a few notes for the recruits to review: @OffordNaeem @GradyZion pic.twitter.com/Z90bKyEMUn
— CrimsonT1de (@LionsAlwaysEat) January 30, 2024
"Just a few notes for the recruits to review," one user wrote, citing what the poster said were players' thoughts on Durkin including Jabrill Peppers, CJ Easter and Alex Debniak.
Auburn hiring a bunch of awful people
— Og (@milroemiracles) January 30, 2024
"Auburn hiring a bunch of awful people," another user said.
Conversely, some X users said they are looking forward to the addition.
Big time. Let’s go. Massive hire by Coach Freeze.
— bobbywall (@sirbobwallace) January 30, 2024
"Big time. Let's go. Massive hire by Coach Freeze," someone said.
We'll look to see how the Tigers' defense performs in 2024.
