The Auburn Tigers had a solid defense in 2023, but they are losing a handful of starters in the secondary, their best defensive lineman, and their defensive coordinator.
Coach Hugh Freeze brought in former Texas A&M defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to be the new DC for the Auburn Tigers, and it sounds like he has big plans to improve Auburn's defense. At his recent press conference, Coach Freeze told the media that the goal to improve the defense is to play with a more consistent effort and limit the explosive plays.
He also said that the defense was good for the most part last season, but there is always room to improve. The goal for this new staff will be to take the defense from good to elite.
Coach Freeze had this to say about the hire of Durkin to be Auburn's next defensive coordinator at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, "John Coen has been so supportive, but I told him "John, I got to take my time, I got to get this right" Freeze said. "There was so much interest in it from people I really like. I loved his interview. I loved the time we spent with him and his wife, Sarah. They're great individuals and people that will add so much experience to our building and defense, so I'm really excited to have DJ."
Auburn has the staff to have an elite defense. Now, it's about developing these five and four-star players they brought in via the 2024 recruiting class.
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