Auburn has agreed to pay D.J. Durkin, the new defensive coordinator, a salary of $1.2 million for his initial season with the Tigers, as outlined in his contract obtained by AL.com through a public records request. The contract spans three years and includes provisions for salary increases that could elevate his total compensation to $1.6 million by the 2026 season.
Records from the USA Today coaches salary database indicate that Durkin received $1.6 million from Texas A&M in 2023. The contract with Auburn features a comprehensive buy-out clause in the event of Durkin’s termination, as well as a mitigation clause stipulating that if he secures a new coaching position during a specified period after his departure, the amount earned in the new role will be subtracted from Auburn’s owed compensation.
If Durkin resigns for another coaching position before December 20, 2024, he would owe Auburn $500,000. This amount decreases to $250,000 if he leaves before December 20, 2025, and further decreases to $125,000 if he departs before Auburn’s final regular season game or SEC championship game in the 2026 season. However, Durkin would not be required to repay Auburn if he transitions to an FBS head coaching position or any NFL role.
Durkin’s contract also includes a bonus structure akin to that of Auburn’s other assistant coaches. His appointment as defensive coordinator was officially announced by Auburn on January 31, following confirmation from head coach Hugh Freeze during a press conference at the Senior Bowl. Freeze cited Durkin’s alignment with Auburn’s culture, his enthusiasm, and energetic coaching style as factors influencing the hiring decision.
Previously, Durkin served as the head coach at Maryland from 2016 to 2018, where he was dismissed amidst investigations into the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and the program’s culture under his leadership. Following his tenure at Maryland, Durkin held positions as defensive coordinator at both Ole Miss and Texas A&M within the SEC.
At Auburn, Durkin shares defensive coordinator responsibilities with Charles Kelly and also oversees the linebackers unit.
