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Auburn Coaching Search Tightens as Durkin Auditions and Sumrall Emerges as Top Target

Auburn plans to name a coach within 24 hours of the Nov. 29 Iron Bowl to stay ahead of the early signing period.

Overview

  • Athletic director John Cohen said D.J. Durkin is under full consideration and indicated he wants Durkin retained on staff regardless of the hire.
  • Durkin, serving as interim head coach, downplayed questions about his future and said the program’s focus is to "go 1-0" this week.
  • ESPN’s Pete Thamel identified Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as the prime candidate, though a potential College Football Playoff berth could complicate his availability.
  • New reporting points to a tightening shortlist that includes Sumrall, Eli Drinkwitz and Clark Lea, with additional interest in Alex Golesh and Brent Key, according to The Athletic.
  • Cohen has targeted a decision within a day of the Iron Bowl to avoid delays before the Dec. 3–5 early signing period, as Auburn hosts Mercer before closing the regular season against Alabama.