Texas A&M Football: 4 reasons why hiring D.J Durkin was a good move

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Nick Saban the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Durkin brings SEC familiarity to Texas A&M football

Durkin’s experience in the SEC is another valuable asset for the Aggies’ defense. During his time with the Florida Gators, he led one of the top defenses in the nation.

When Durkin arrived at Ole Miss in 2021, he took a defense that was giving up 38.3 points per game and knocked it down to 24.7 points per game with a far less talented defense than what he has now with Texas A&M. He knows these teams so well that even Nick Saban spoke to how difficult it is to prepare for Durkin’s defenses saying this:

"“Their scheme is totally different,” Saban said. “They’re playing really Iowa State’s defensive scheme. It’s a 3-4 scheme, but they’re dropping 8 guys a lot. Rushing 3 guys a lot. Still have their pressures out of it and way to give you negative plays. It’s unusual relative to 4 guys rushing and 7 guys in coverage. … Very challenging.” – Nick Saban"

If Saban is talking about how much of an improvement the defense made after one year, you have to assume that’s thanks to the addition of Durkin. If he can do that with a less talented defense just imagine what he can do with a talented and athletic defense with the Aggies.