DJ Durkin, Auburn’s defensive coordinator, identified key areas for improvement during his speech in Mobile, focusing on enhancing one critical aspect of the Tigers’ defense.

As Auburn football gears up for the 2025 season, one thing is clear: the defense needs to continue to evolve and improve if the Tigers are going to contend in the SEC and beyond. Auburn’s defensive coordinator, DJ Durkin, recently addressed these concerns during a speech in Mobile, where he identified one critical area in particular where the defense needs significant improvement. While Auburn has boasted a strong defensive history, Durkin’s insight offers a roadmap for where the defense must grow in order to meet the demands of the tough SEC schedule and post-season aspirations.

Durkin’s comments were keenly anticipated, given that the Tigers’ defense has been a focal point of discussion since the end of the previous season. Coming into the 2025 season, Auburn’s defense will need to rise to the occasion, especially in a conference that is known for its high-powered offenses and elite talent. After all, a dominant defense is often the difference between a successful season and one full of missed opportunities. For Auburn to take that next step, there are a few key aspects of the defense that must improve in order for the team to return to elite status.

The Key Area for Improvement: Tackling Fundamentals

While Durkin’s speech touched on a number of different aspects of the Tigers’ defense, he placed a heavy emphasis on one fundamental aspect: tackling. According to Durkin, tackling has been a problem for the Auburn defense in recent years and is one area that must improve for the Tigers to compete at the highest level. Tackling is often seen as one of the most basic and fundamental skills in football, but it is also one of the most important, particularly in a physical conference like the SEC.

One of the main reasons tackling is so vital to the defense’s success is its direct correlation to stopping plays before they can turn into big gains. When a defense fails to wrap up and secure the ball carrier, missed tackles can lead to explosive plays that result in touchdowns or critical yardage that flips the field. In a league like the SEC, where offenses are designed to exploit every small mistake, failing to tackle consistently can lead to disastrous outcomes. In his speech, Durkin emphasized the importance of the fundamentals and how improving tackling will be a primary focus in the upcoming season.

The Current State of Auburn’s Defense

Before diving into the specific steps Durkin will take to improve Auburn’s tackling, it’s important to assess the current state of the Tigers’ defense. Historically, Auburn has been known for its tenacious and aggressive defensive play, but recent seasons have shown that there are still areas for growth.

Auburn’s defense in 2024 was solid but inconsistent. At times, the defense looked like one of the best units in the SEC, with a strong front seven and a secondary that could lock down opposing receivers. However, there were also games where missed tackles and breakdowns in coverage led to big plays and lost opportunities. The Tigers finished the season with a respectable defensive ranking, but they weren’t able to match the elite defenses that many other SEC programs were fielding.

One of the key issues Auburn faced in 2024 was its inability to consistently finish tackles. While the defense had the talent to make plays, there were too many instances in which the Tigers had the ball carrier in their grasp but failed to secure the tackle. This inability to finish plays was particularly evident in the open field, where elusive running backs and dynamic quarterbacks were able to evade defenders and extend plays.

Durkin’s recognition of this issue is crucial, as it highlights an area where Auburn can make immediate improvements. Tackling fundamentals, including proper technique, body positioning, and mental focus, are all areas that can be coached and improved upon. The Tigers’ defense may have the athleticism to make these plays, but they will need to hone their technique to execute consistently.

The Impact of Tackling on Defensive Strategy

Tackling isn’t just a basic skill — it’s a foundational component of the defensive strategy. If Auburn wants to be successful in 2025, they must clean up their tackling. Poor tackling can result in several negative consequences:

1. Big Plays: As mentioned earlier, missed tackles often lead to explosive plays. Whether it’s a missed tackle on a screen pass or an open-field attempt to stop a running back, the inability to finish tackles leads to long runs and scoring opportunities. This is a particular concern when facing high-powered offenses that thrive on big plays.
2. Field Position: Every time a tackle is missed, it gives the opponent an opportunity to gain extra yardage. This has a direct impact on field position, which can ultimately affect the outcome of a game. Allowing opposing teams to move the ball freely down the field can put undue pressure on Auburn’s offense to score, making it harder for the Tigers to control the tempo of the game.
3. Defensive Confidence: A defense’s confidence is often built on its ability to execute basic fundamentals well. When a defense struggles with tackling, it can create a lack of trust among players. For example, defensive backs may hesitate to make a tackle because they aren’t sure whether their teammates will finish the job. This can create a snowball effect where missed tackles become more frequent, leading to a lack of cohesion within the unit.
4. Third-Down Efficiency: In many cases, missed tackles prolong drives and put the defense in difficult situations. Third-and-long situations can quickly turn into first downs if the defense is unable to secure the tackle. Improving tackling will help Auburn’s defense get off the field more often, increasing their chances of success.

By addressing this fundamental issue, Durkin can improve the overall execution of the defense and help Auburn’s defense take the next step toward becoming a dominant unit.

How DJ Durkin Plans to Address Tackling

Durkin’s approach to improving Auburn’s tackling will involve several key strategies, including improved coaching, increased practice time, and a renewed emphasis on fundamentals. Tackling is something that must be ingrained in players from the moment they first step onto the field, and Durkin is determined to ensure that his players approach the task with the right mindset and technique.

1. Fundamental Drills: One of the most effective ways to improve tackling is through repetitive drills that focus on technique. Durkin has already stated that he will incorporate more tackling drills in practice, with an emphasis on wrapping up and securing the ball carrier. Proper form — including keeping the head up, driving through the ball carrier, and using the body to bring the player down — will be key areas of focus.
2. Open-Field Tackling: Open-field tackling is often the most challenging aspect of the game, as defenders are forced to make solo tackles in space. Durkin will likely place a heavy emphasis on one-on-one drills in which defenders are forced to tackle in open space. These drills simulate game-like conditions and help defenders learn how to make tackles in high-pressure situations.
3. Mental Focus: Durkin has acknowledged that tackling is not just a physical skill but a mental one as well. Defensive players need to stay locked in and remain focused on the task at hand. Ensuring that players have the right mindset and are ready to execute when the moment arises will be a critical part of Durkin’s plan. This may involve increased mental preparation and film study to help players visualize successful tackles and understand their assignments better.
4. Coaching Up the Secondary: While much of the attention is typically placed on the front seven in tackling, the secondary is just as important when it comes to finishing plays. Auburn’s defensive backs will need to be better at wrapping up and ensuring that they finish plays in the open field. Durkin will work closely with his secondary to make sure they are effective in preventing yards after contact and helping the defense stay consistent.
5. Team Emphasis: Finally, Durkin will look to instill a team-wide emphasis on tackling. While individual players must focus on their technique, it’s also important that the team works together to swarm the ball and support each other. When defenders work as a cohesive unit, they can help each other in finishing tackles and preventing big plays.

 The Road to Defensive Dominance

As DJ Durkin continues to refine the Auburn Tigers’ defense, the key to their success lies in improving the most basic yet crucial skill: tackling. With an emphasis on better fundamentals, a renewed focus on open-field tackling, and a mental approach that prioritizes execution, Durkin is positioning Auburn’s defense for a strong 2025 season.

If the Tigers can clean up their tackling issues, they’ll have the chance to compete at the highest level in the SEC. Tackling is more than just a skill — it’s a mindset that can set the tone for an entire defense. With Durkin leading the charge, Auburn is focused on making that mindset a cornerstone of their defensive strategy. If they succeed, the Tigers could find themselves as one of the top defensive teams in the conference, ready to challenge for an SEC title and beyond. The foundation is in place, and with the right improvements, Auburn’s defense could once again be a force to be reckoned with.