One constant, though, is defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who was the architect behind Auburn’s impressive defenses the past two seasons. Former edge rusher Keyron Crawford, who was a captain and led the team in pressures in 2025, often spoke highly of Durkin this past season. When asked at the Senior Bowl about Golesh’s decision to retain Durkin, Crawford had more positive things to say. Golesh has said similarly nice things about Durkin, describing retaining him as a “really easy” decision. “He’s been at a high level for a really, really long time for a reason.”