Overview
- Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin was named interim head coach and will be considered for the permanent job, according to John Cohen.
- Offensive coordinator Derrick Nix will be the sole offensive play-caller for the rest of the season as Durkin continues to call the defense.
- Cohen said he is the final decision-maker for the hire, may use a search firm only for background checks, and will draw on industry experts and data.
- Auburn expects to complete the hire after the Iron Bowl, aligning the timeline with candidates who are still coaching through the regular season.
- Auburn is negotiating Hugh Freeze’s buyout of roughly $15.4 million after parting ways following sustained offensive inefficiency, especially late in games.