Auburn Tigers interim HC DJ Durkin isn’t giving in to a question everyone already knows the answer to
The Auburn Tigers are rolling with DJ Durkin.
The Auburn Tigers have moved on from head coach Hugh Freeze, as we all know, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to stop trying to win games. There are no pro sports in Alabama, so you all know that tanking in collegiate sports isn’t really a thing. You don’t get a better pick in the draft for the worse your season is.
So, interim head coach DJ Durkin is going to try to finish the season strong. Not to mention, Durkin could be coaching for his career.
“Our focus is 100% on Vanderbilt,” Durkin told reporters when asked if he wanted the full-time head coaching gig. “We’re trying to go 1-0 this week. That will take all of our focus.”
We all know that’s coach speak, because why would Durkin not want the job?
Durkin is going to change some things moving forward in Auburn
On Saturday, the Tigers are set to play Vanderbilt, which is no longer the same Vanderbilt we’ve all grown to know and love to play the last ten years or so. This is a team that can blow the Tigers out if they’re not careful, despite the Tigers having an elite defense.
Some things with this team will look a bit different on Saturday, especially on the sideline. For one, Freeze won’t be there. Two, this team will be playing with a bit of a different mindset than we could all tell they were playing with under Freeze — like a team on thin ice.
“Derrick Nix will be the play caller. He’ll be the play caller every down. He is the sole play caller,” Durkin said. “I have extreme confidence in Derrick. We will be aggressive in everything we do… I want them to play with confidence and not a care in the world. We’re going to have a great week of practice…and then go out there and let loose.”
The Tigers should have fun on Saturday. Sure, win the game if you can, as the last few games on their schedule are all more than winnable. However, go let these kids have fun, because it feels like they haven’t done that in some time.
Auburn Tigers News
Auburn has a short list of Hugh Freeze replacements that they should consider heavily, including a couple wildcard candidates
Top Auburn head coaching candidates to know following the firing of Hugh Freeze.
