Alex Golesh won't have to search for a defensive coordinator.
Despite the Auburn Tigers not removing the interim tag from DJ Durkin and making the permanent head coach, he will remain on the plains and will serve on Alex Golesh's staff.
Golesh and Durkin know each other well, and the pair will have the opportunity to work together at Auburn and work toward helping the Tigers return to prominence.
“Choosing to keep DJ on our staff was an easy call," Golesh said in a statement from the university. "Our relationship goes back more than 20 years to our roots in Ohio, we have worked with some of the same men, and we’ve competed against each other in this great league. We are fortunate to retain one of the top defensive minds in college football here on The Plains. He's an elite leader, incredible father and husband and will be phenomenal leader on the defensive side of the ball. We have great respect for each other. Time to go to work.”
Durkin echoed Golesh's sentiment, talking about how excited he is to see what his friend will accomplish at Auburn.
“Coach Golesh and I have known each other long time and I’ve got a lot of respect for him, his teams and the way they work," Durkin said. "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. The support my family and I have felt from the Auburn community has been unbelievable. This is home for us. I’m thankful for the Auburn Family and everything they’ve shown us over the last month, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
The retention of Durkin could also play a significant role in helping Golesh retain players who are currently on the roster.