What's Auburn football DC DJ Durkin making on Alex Golesh's staff?
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AUBURN — DJ Durkin signed a new deal to remain defensive coordinator on Alex Golesh‘s Auburn football coaching staff and received a one-year extension, according to a copy of his contract that was obtained by the Montgomery Advertiser.
Durkin’s previous contract was set to end in January 2028, but his latest deal, which was signed Dec. 4, runs out a year later. After receiving a considerable pay bump ahead of the 2025 season, Durkin isn’t making more money working for Golesh.
Durkin will make $2.7 million for the 2026 season and was slated to make the same amount on his previous deal. Durkin made $2.5 million for the 2025 campaign, and like his previous deal, Durkin’s annual salary will receive a $200,000 annual retention bonus.
Based on annual salary, Durkin’s now four-year deal totals about $10 million in value.
“That decision was really easy, because I do truly believe that he’s one of the best football minds in the country,” Golesh said of retaining Durkin this week. “I truly believe that’s one of the best — not just defensive coordinators in the country — but one of the best football coaches. … For me to be able to partner with someone like that is special.”
Durkin joined Hugh Freeze‘s staff ahead of the 2024 campaign, and Auburn‘s defense was statistically middling in his first season. It ranked no better than sixth in the SEC in rushing, scoring or total defense. When Durkin was promoted to interim head coach on Nov. 2, the Tigers were a top-four scoring, total and run defense in the SEC. By the season’s end, Auburn was only top-four in the league against the run.
Durkin’s interim tenure concluded with a 1-2 record, capped by a 27-20 Iron Bowl loss to No. 10 Alabama. His lone win came in a 62-17 beatdown of FCS Mercer.
Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at acole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter.To support Adam’s work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What’s Auburn football DC DJ Durkin making on Alex Golesh’s staff?
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