Jimbo Fisher releases statement on DJ Durkin hiring as DC

Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies have made a notable splash by hiring DJ Durkin as the team’s new defensive coordinator.

On Friday, the Aggies’ front man released an official statement on the new hire.

“We are excited to welcome D.J. [Durkin] as our new defensive coordinator,” Fisher said. “He has done a tremendous job being multiple in his looks that cause problems for opposing offenses. In addition to being an excellent recruiter, D.J. has done a great job of developing his players and has experience in the SEC.”

Durkin joins the Aggies’ staff after directing the defense and coaching the linebackers at Ole Miss for the past two seasons. The Youngstown, Ohio native also helped spearhead successful units at Michigan and Florida, among other stops during his 20-year coaching career. 

Durkin chimed in about the opportunity to work with Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M staff.

“I look forward to working with Coach Fisher, the Aggie football staff and the excellent players Coach has assembled,” Durkin said. “I know the 12th Man supports Aggie football. I was at Kyle Field for Texas A&M’s first SEC home game back in 2012 and the atmosphere was electric. We will play with great effort that the 12th Man will be proud of.”

In his last coaching stop, Durkin spent one season in the NFL as a consultant for the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 after serving as the head coach at Maryland for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
 
Prior to Maryland, Durkin served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Michigan, leading a defensive unit that ranked fourth in the country.

Jimbo Fisher analyzes why Georgia defense struggled vs. Alabama

Fisher watched the SEC Championship Game and wondered the same thing football fans around the nation did — why can’t Georgia stop Alabama? After having the scariest defense in the nation all season long, the Crimson Tide made the Bulldogs look ordinary.

As they ready for a rematch in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, Fisher analyzed why the Georgia defense struggled against Alabama in Atlanta in an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show.

“I think two things — Georgia’s made to stop the run. They’re a very physical team. There’s not a lot of lanky, speed pass-rushing guys. It’s more of a power rushing team,” stated Jimbo Fisher. “And I think that’s going to be important in this game too. Being able to keep Bryce in the pocket and not let him scramble and create plays. Because Bryce is not a big guy. So maybe if you can condense the pocket – squeeze – it’s better. Nolan Smith has the ability to be a great pass rusher. The other guys can rush, but I mean that’s not their forte. They’re more run players.

“I think that was a matchup that Alabama exposed a little bit in the pass protection, and letting Bryce create plays with his legs and creating the space down the field. So, I don’t think Georgia was off, but I think the relationship and the matchups — you can be a great team, but how match against other guys strengths can also expose a weakness or two that you have.”

Evidently, Jimbo Fisher believes Saban and company figured out the way to defeat the Bulldogs. After a drubbing in Atlanta, eyes will be watching to see if Georgia made the necessary adjustments to defeat Alabama in Indianapolis.