Youngstown native D.J. Durkin has been hired to coach linebackers and special teams for the Florida Gators.
The Boardman High grad just completed his third season on the Stanford Cardinal coaching staff, where he coached defensive ends and special teams. The Cardinal posted an 8-5 record during the 2009 season.
During his time at Stanford, the defensive ends helped the Cardinal rank 11th nationally in sacks per game in 2007-08.
Durkin came to Stanford in 2007 after serving two seasons as linebackers and special teams coach for his alma mater, Bowling Green. He was also a four-year starter for the Falcons from 1997-2000.
As a player, Durkin started 33 games and recorded 131 tackles, including 28 for a loss. Durkin led his team in sacks in 1998 and was a team captain for two seasons.
Durkin was also a graduate assistant on Bowling Green’s coaching staff while pursuing a master’s in educational administration and supervision. Durkin was also a graduate assistant and defensive coach for Notre Dame in 2003-04.
