Ohio State reportedly faced a setback in their search for a new defensive coordinator after being turned down by an SEC coach they had targeted for the position. Following their National Championship victory over Notre Dame, the Buckeyes experienced significant staff departures, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State a few weeks ago.
While Ohio State has filled most of the open positions on the coaching staff, the defensive coordinator role remains vacant. According to Brian Stultz of Rivals, the Buckeyes reached out to Auburn’s defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin with an offer to join their staff. However, Auburn countered by offering Durkin a pay raise to stay with the Tigers.
Reason for DJ Durkin's raise and extension?
Per sources, it was because Ohio State came in with an offer trying to pry him away from Auburn. Hugh Freeze wasn't going to let that happen.
— Brian Stultz (@brianjstultz) February 10, 2025
Durkin’s contract was extended for another year, and he is set to earn up to $2.5 million in 2025, making him one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in college football. This salary places him in a tie for the second-highest-paid position alongside Michigan’s Wink Martindale, just behind Knowles at Penn State.
Durkin, 47, has a history with Ohio State, having been Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2015 and Maryland’s head coach from 2016 to 2018. After a brief stint as a consultant with the Atlanta Falcons, Durkin served as co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss for two years before returning to Auburn.
Ohio State may look internally to fill the defensive coordinator position, with safeties coach Matt Guerrieri and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton among the potential candidates. However, even if the Buckeyes promote from within, they may still consider adding an extra staff member to the defense.
The search for a new defensive coordinator is expected to be resolved soon, likely by the end of the week, as spring football approaches and recruiting continues.
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