Taylor Jones, Auburn WireSat, November 29, 2025 at 10:55 PM UTC·2 min readMultiple reports are linking Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall to Florida's head coaching vacancy despite being the unofficial leader for several weeks.
If Sumrall were to accept the Florida job, where would Auburn turn? One report by CBS Sports shows that interim head coach DJ Durkin could take over the frontrunner role, especially if Auburn were to beat the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe report compiled by Matt Zenitz and John Talty indicates that Durkin could remain on Auburn's staff for next season by the request of Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen, whether it be as the Tigers' head coach or as the defensive coordinator under the newly hired head coach.
Auburn AD John Cohen has already said publicly he'd like for Durkin, who was in his second season as Auburn's defensive coordinator, to be retained regardless, an interesting wrinkle for any possible head coach to consider. Durkin wants the Auburn head coach job but could be open to staying as DC under the right person.
Auburn is 1-1 under Durkin since he was named interim head coach on Nov. 2, with its loss coming in overtime to No. 16 Vanderbilt on the road. The Tigers have seen a surge in offense by gaining 555 yards per game over the last two games, with quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Deuce Knight flashing more of a dual-threat style of play. Daniels is set to start Saturday's Iron Bowl, and it will be interesting to see how well the Tigers' offense handles the Alabama defense in what is a critical game for the future of Durkin's time with Auburn.
The Tigers and Crimson Tide battle at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC. Click here for a guide to watch.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: DJ Durkin emerging as strong head coaching candidate
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