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Auburn's Alex Golesh Retains D.J. Durkin, Begins Staff Build for Run-First Reboot

Early recruiting priorities plus roster retention now drive his push to revive a program stuck below seven wins since 2019.

Overview

  • Golesh made two moves official by keeping defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and naming former Tigers receiver Kodi Burns as associate head coach.
  • Multiple South Florida aides are reported to be following Golesh to Auburn, including OC/QB coach Joel Gordon, OL coach Tyler Hudanick, CBs coach DeMarcus Van Dyke and strength coach George Courides, per 247Sports.
  • At his introduction, Golesh defined his identity as run-first, saying the ground game is the foundation that sets up explosive passing and tempo.
  • College Sports Wire graded Auburn’s hire a B+, citing Golesh’s offensive track record and his 23-15 turnaround at USF capped by a 9-3 season in 2025.
  • Near-term priorities highlighted in coverage include retaining the roster, settling the quarterback competition with a potential Byrum Brown reunion only as a possibility, and rebuilding an offensive line set to lose most starters.