Here's what one of Auburn's top defensive players said about the decision to retain Durkin
With new head coach Alex Golesh now leading the program, Auburn’s staff is going to look a lot different in 2026 than it did this past season. One constant, though, is defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who was the architect behind Auburn’s impressive defenses the past two seasons.
Former edge rusher Keyron Crawford, who was a captain and led the team in pressures in 2025, often spoke highly of Durkin this past season. When asked at the Senior Bowl about Golesh’s decision to retain Durkin, Crawford had more positive things to say. “Huge,” Crawford said when describing the decision. “If I was a new coach coming in, I wouldn’t change the thing on the defense.” Auburn’s defense helped keep the team in many games this past season and finished 10th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game. Durkin was one of just two assistants to be retained, along with defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams. While Crawford’s position coach, outside linebackers coach Roc Bellantoni, wasn’t retained, Crawford still worked closely with Durkin at Auburn and talked about what stands out about him. “His personality is one of a kind,” Crawford said. “The enthusiasm that he brought, it was one of a kind. I’ve never seen a DC like that. He’s one of the best.” Durkin became Auburn’s defensive coordinator prior to the 2024 season and briefly served as interim head coach after Hugh Freeze was fired in November. He was a candidate for the full-time head coaching position before going back to his role as defensive coordinator. Golesh has said similarly nice things about Durkin, describing retaining him as a “really easy” decision. “I truly believe that’s one of the best — not just defensive coordinators in the country — but one of the best football coaches," Golesh said. “He’s been at a high level for a really, really long time for a reason.”Peter Rauterkus is an Auburn Sports Reporter for AL.com covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. He joined AL.com in July 2024. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Peter spent time...
@Exvideo @Yahoo Section:/Auburnfootball
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Auburn WR Horatio Fields in Unique Portal Situation with MizzouThe former Auburn Tigers wide receiver has committed to a fellow SEC program, but his status remains in limbo
Read more »
Ranking Auburn’s defensive position groups after the transfer portal windowAuburn addressed every defensive position group with transfer portal additions including a returning coordinator, DJ Durkin.
Read more »
Global chain manufacturer to invest $34M in Auburn, adding 70 jobsGerman-based KettenWulf is investing $34 million to open a new Auburn manufacturing facility, creating 70 jobs.
Read more »
Jeremiah Wright to returning Auburn players: Trust the processOne of Auburn's outgoing offensive linemen left a message for his former teammates
Read more »
2 in custody after short pursuit, crash on I-5 in Auburn, WATwo people are in custody after a short chase and crash on I-5 in Auburn on Wednesday morning.
Read more »
Auburn hosts Texas as Steven Pearl calls Longhorns most dangerous SEC teamSteven Pearl says his team must replicate its defensive intensity from the Florida game. The Longhorns feature four players averaging double-digit scoring.
Read more »