What Auburn football players are saying about co-defensive coordinator DJ Durkin

Quotes of note from Auburn football players about new co-defensive coordinator DJ Durkin

The Auburn football coaching staff looks quite different than it did last fall as the team heads into the second season under head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers brought in new coordinators on both sides of the ball and hired new assistants for several position groups

While arguably the biggest change in personnel has been Derrick Nix taking over the offense alongside Freeze and quarterbacks coach Kent Austin, the defense has been transformed by co-defensive coordinators Charles Kelly and DJ Durkin.

Since his arrival on the Plains, Durkin has already made a big impact on his players. According to redshirt freshman defensive back JC Hart, Durkin has gone above and beyond to make sure the players know exactly what they're doing ahead of the 2024 season.

"That goes back to Coach Durkin," Hart said, per Auburn Undercover. "Like, we've been doing walkthroughs every day. He's trying to make sure we know what we're doing. Compared to last year, I was a freshman, and I didn't know anything. I didn't get a grasp of the scheme we were doing until, like, mid-year last year. It took me a while to pick up. But I'm pretty sure the freshmen coming in are gonna learn quickly because of Durkin."

Transfer defensive lineman Gage Keys appreciates the versatility allowed in the new defensive schemes.

"It's very valuable, not only just for our defense, but just for marketability on our skills for the next level," Keys said. "Just getting us all a chance to play every position, it's very good. Can mix up the O-Line and make it a lot harder for them, so it makes our job easier when they get a little more confused. It's been good, for sure."

The Tigers and the new-look defense will return to action in Jordan-Hare Stadium on August 31.