DJ Durkin reveals why Texas A&M was the right fit for him

DJ Durkin is thrilled to be at Texas A&M. After spending the past two seasons with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, Durkin is set to take over as the Aggies defensive coordinator this season.

In a recent interview at fall camp, Durkin elaborated on the factors that played into his decision. He credited A&M coach Jimbo Fisher as one of the main reasons, noting his experience and proven ability to win at the highest level.

“I just feel like this program and coach Fisher’s vision and proven track record and things he does, everything lines up here to really be able to do something special,” Durkin said. “We’ve acquired great talent, great players. Now getting to meet everyone, I think we have great people, which is probably most important. Very talented team, talented staff and this is a good place to be.”

Durkin arrives in College Station with more than 20 years of coaching experience under his belt. He has previously served as a defensive coordinator for both Florida and Michigan, and also the head coach of Maryland from 2016-18.

Seven years ago in 2015, then-Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin nearly hired Durkin to be his defensive coordinator before turning to John Chavis from LSU. Now finally getting his chance, Durkin reflected on what attracted him to the Aggies both then and now.

“When you’re in coaching long enough, there’s all kinds of things and possibilities and maybes and everything else,” he said. “To me, things all happen for a reason. You are where you are and that’s usually how it goes. That’s a good way to live, especially in this profession.

“I’m thrilled to be here and my family is as well. I think College Station is such a cool place. There’s a great tradition here with this university and this football program. I’m just very happy coach Fisher was able to offer me a position to come here and I love working with these guys every day.”

DJ Durkin has big shoes to fill next season at Texas A&M after last year’s defensive coordinator Mike Elko left to become the head coach at Duke. Elko helped develop the Aggies defense into a top three defense in the SEC over the past two seasons and Durkin will be expected to continue that trend. A&M is set to kick off the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against FCS school Sam Houston State.