Will D.J. Durkin Become Auburn's Full-Time HC? CFB Insiders Give Latest Update

Auburn interim head coach D.J. Durkin has become a "strong contender" to land a full-time role with the Tigers, CBS Sports' John Talty and Matt Zenitz reported Saturday.

The news comes after ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the Tigers had "shifted their focus" away from Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall.

Sumrall is now seen as a "clear favorite" to replace former Florida head coach Billy Napier in Gainesville, Thamel reported.

That has made Durkin "even more of a candidate" for a promotion, according to Talty and Zenitz.

Durkin has led Auburn to a 1-1 record since taking over for Hugh Freeze earlier this month. A win over Alabama in Saturday night's Iron Bowl "would strengthen Durkin's case" to get the job, Talty and Zenitz noted.

That stretch included a one-score loss to No. 15 Vanderbilt, who were trailing by as many as 10 points before rallying to win 45-38 in overtime.

Durkin then led the Tigers to a 61-17 blowout win over non-major Mercer at home last Saturday.

Defeating No. 10 Alabama at home Saturday night would mark the biggest win of the season for Tigers, who have yet to beat a ranked team in 2025.

Durkin served as an interim head coach at Florida for one game in 2014, when he led the Gators to victory following the departure of Will Muschamp.

His second stint as a college head coach started with Maryland in 2016. Durkin led to Terrapins to a 10-15 record and one bowl game appearance over two years before he was fired ahead of the 2018 season.

Durkin later spent two seasons as defensive coordinator for Texas A&M before he was named Auburn's DC in January 2024.

The Tigers held opponents to 117.8 rushing yards per game during Durkin's first season in the role, the program's best mark since 2010.

A win over Auburn on Saturday night would be enough to send Alabama to the SEC championship game.

Should Durkin help the Tigers win their first Iron Bowl since 2019, he could impact the Crimson Tide's playoff chances while upping the odds he returns to coach another Auburn game in 2026.