Auburn extends defensive coordinator Durkin

Auburn signed defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid assistants in college football, according to the Montgomery Advertiser's Adam Cole.

Durkin's salary will rise from $1.2 million in 2024 to $2.5 million for the 2025 season. Auburn added an additional year to the 47-year-old's contract that will now run through the 2027 season and includes an annual increase of $200,000.

Only Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' $3.1 million exceeds Durkin's yearly compensation. LSU play-caller Blake Baker also makes $2.5 million per season.

The Tigers' defense finished eighth in the SEC in points (21.3) and finished the 2024 campaign ninth in the conference, allowing 330.8 yards per game.

Durkin previously served as the defensive coordinator for Texas A&M and Ole Miss before taking the same role at Auburn in 2024.

The Tigers finished with a 5-7 record last season, the program's second campaign under head coach Hugh Freeze.