To say there have been a significant amount of distractions surrounding the Auburn Tigers this week would be an understatement.

The departure of head coach Hugh Freeze, the appointment of DJ Durkin as interim head coach and the beginning whirlwind of a coaching search has created a buzz around the team.

As the Tigers prepare for a touch road contest against No. 16 Vanderbilt, focusing on the task at hand remains the top focus for them.

"I will say this and make sure this is first and foremost, we are going to play a game on the road in this conference against a team that is very, very good," Durkin said. "They are well coached They are talented. They play with an edge that will be a great test for us. It’s something we embrace and look forward to. That’s completely where our focus has to be, obviously as a coaching staff and as a team." 

While Durkin will remain the play-caller on the defensive side of the ball, Derrick Nix will be given complete control on the offensive side.

Durkin us confident in Nix's ability to run the unit efficiently.

"Derrick Nix will be the play caller," Durkin said. "He’ll be the play caller every down and he’s the sole play caller. I have extreme confidence in Derrick. He and I have worked together in previous stops as well. Another great person and a great coach. I think the players really respond to him. They understand where he’s coming from. I think Derrick is going to do a great job. We’ll be aggressive in everything we do."

Durkin also addressed the question of what Auburn will do at the quarterback position.

"We’re evaluating that right now," Durkin said. "There has been discussion about that all throughout yesterday and today. We’ll come to a decision on that. It’s an important one obviously because the ball is in his hands every down. I’m trying to gather information on that too."

Durkin is determined not to rush that decision, as he wants the team to be in the best possible position to salvage this season.

"That’s not something I have been a part of," Durkin said. "I don’t think you hurry into the decision. You gather information on that and evaluate with the offensive staff and get their feedback and speaking to those young men. I know this, we have three tremendous young men that can play the quarterback position at a high level. They are in the conversation on that and we’ll make a decision soon."