Michigan hires D.J. Durkin as defensive coordinator
Jim Harbaugh has hired D.J. Durkin to be his defensive coordinator at Michigan, SI.com's Thayer Evans confirmed Tuesday. FootballScoop.com first reported the news.
The university has yet to confirm the hire.
Durkin was the defensive coordinator at Florida the past two seasons, and served as the Gators' interim head coach in the Birmingham Bowl on Jan. 3 after Will Muschamp was dismissed. Florida defeated East Carolina, 28-20.
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Durkin coached under Harbaugh at Stanford from 2007 to 2009 as the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator. A Youngstown, Ohio, native who played at Bowling Green, Durkin is also familiar with Big Ten country.
Durkin left Stanford for Florida in 2010 to coach under Urban Meyer, his former boss at Bowling Green. Durkin also coached at Bowling Green from 2005-06 after spending 2001-02 as a graduate assistant.
Florida (7-5) finished 15th in total defense (329.8 yards allowed per game) and 19th in scoring (21.1 points allowed per game) this season. The Gators fared even better under Durkin in 2013, finishing eighth in total defense (314.3 yards) and 15th in scoring (21.1 points).
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Durkin is also regarded as a strong recruiter, having won Rivals.com's Recruiter of the Year award in 2012.
- Mike Fiammetta
