Auburn announces decision on DJ Durkin as Alex Golesh builds out 2026 staff
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Auburn will retain DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator for the 2026 season.
The program made that announcement on Tuesday afternoon, confirming that Durkin will be a part of Alex Golesh‘s first staff on the Plains. Golesh previously was non-committal when asked about Durkin’s future, so this is a positive development for both Durkin and the Tigers.
“Coach Golesh and I have known each other a long time and I’ve got a lot of respect for him, his teams and the way they work,” Durkin wrote in a statement. “I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to Auburn and grateful for the chance to work alongside him. I love this group of players, and it mattered to me to keep pushing forward with what they have already started.”
Golesh added that choosing to retain Durkin was an “easy call” and said he’s known the former interim head coach for more than 20 years.
“He’s an elite leader, incredible father and husband and will be a phenomenal leader on the defensive side of the ball,” Golesh said in the release. “We have great respect for each other. Time to go to work.”
Golesh is an offensive-minded head coach, so hiring an excellent defensive staff was always going to be key for Auburn’s success during this era. Durkin produced solid results in 2025 as Auburn finished 5th in the SEC in yards per play allowed (4.95).
Golesh is expected to continue to making staff hires over the course of the next few weeks.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
