Again, not saying this is the guy or how much traction there might be. That needs to be stressed. But on Wednesday night, I had someone bring up DJ Durkin as a possibility here (obviously this isn't just random "hey maybe this guy could be a candidate," I've got some reason to believe there's some legitimacy to it). He was Texas A&M's DC last year. The Aggies were pretty good defensively last year (14th against the run, 19th in total yards, 36th in points allowed).
Durkin has been a DC at Ole Miss, Michigan and Florida. He's known as a hell of a recruiter. He also was the head coach at Maryland for a year and a half before being fired in the aftermath of the death of Jordan McNair (not placing blame or passing judgment, but it's going to be mentioned anytime Durkin's name is mentioned).
For background on the situation at Maryland, here are a couple of articles for those who choose to read them
www.espn.com
www.espn.com
It is worth noting that Durkin was reinstated by Maryland before being fired and has since worked at Ole Miss and Texas A&M without incident to my knowledge.
I also know that Durkin is in the mix to be Hugh Freeze's DC at Auburn. One person told me "He's got a lot going on." Again, I'm not sure how involved he is at Mizzou, but I do think he's at least in a pool of people being looked at. Given what happened Tuesday with Mo Linguist, Durkin will probably be Auburn's DC in the next 60 minutes after I post this. I'm just trying to pass on names that seem to have some potential traction since information has been scarce.
en.wikipedia.org
12thman.com
Whether it's Durkin or someone else, I think there's a chance we have word of a hire by the start of the weekend. I do not think it's a sure thing at this point.
Durkin has been a DC at Ole Miss, Michigan and Florida. He's known as a hell of a recruiter. He also was the head coach at Maryland for a year and a half before being fired in the aftermath of the death of Jordan McNair (not placing blame or passing judgment, but it's going to be mentioned anytime Durkin's name is mentioned).
For background on the situation at Maryland, here are a couple of articles for those who choose to read them
The inside story of a toxic culture at Maryland football
Current Maryland players describe a culture of fear and intimidation within the football program in the run-up to offensive lineman Jordan McNair's death.
Maryland fires coach Durkin after reinstatement
One day after his reinstatement, the University of Maryland changed course and fired football coach DJ Durkin in the wake of outrage and protests by students, politicians and even some of the Terrapins players.
It is worth noting that Durkin was reinstated by Maryland before being fired and has since worked at Ole Miss and Texas A&M without incident to my knowledge.
I also know that Durkin is in the mix to be Hugh Freeze's DC at Auburn. One person told me "He's got a lot going on." Again, I'm not sure how involved he is at Mizzou, but I do think he's at least in a pool of people being looked at. Given what happened Tuesday with Mo Linguist, Durkin will probably be Auburn's DC in the next 60 minutes after I post this. I'm just trying to pass on names that seem to have some potential traction since information has been scarce.
D. J. Durkin - Wikipedia
DJ Durkin - Football Coach - Texas A&M Athletics - 12thMan.com
DURKIN UP CLOSE PERSONAL Birthdate: January 15, 1978 Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio Wife: Sarah Children: Abigail, Luke Education: Bowling Green, 2000 PLAYING EX...
Whether it's Durkin or someone else, I think there's a chance we have word of a hire by the start of the weekend. I do not think it's a sure thing at this point.
