Head coach Will Muschamp did not take long in replacing Dan Quinn at the defensive coordinator position.
Shortly after Quinn’s announcement, the University of Florida confirmed a breaking report by Gator Country that linebackers and special teams coach D.J. Durkin has been named the new defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators.
“I’m happy for Dan and this opportunity,” head coach Will Muschamp said on Thursday. “I’ve said before that I always encourage my staff when opportunities arise to take the next step in their career. Dan’s background is in the NFL and this is a great chance to go back to a place he’s familiar with.”
Durkin, who has been on staff with Florida since Muschamp arrived at Florida in 2010, has made a name for himself as one of the staff’s top recruiters and was considered a popular candidate for the job if Quinn did eventually leave Florida.
After the 2012 season, Durkin was named the FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year, but according to Muschamp, Durkin will give up the role in order to focus on his new duties as defensive coordinator.
While some fans may be curious as to how the Gators defense will look next season, Muschamp offered some reassurance concerning the future of the Gators’ defense:
“D.J. and I will run the defense, continuing the way that Dan and I did for the past two years,” said Muschamp. “We will look to add another coach that is the best fit for our staff moving forward.”