North Carolina started the 2014 regular season ranked 23rd by both the Associated Press and the Coaches’ polls, and ended far from it. The Tar Heels sputtered to a 6-6 record almost entirely thanks to its defense. Opponents scored 70, 50, 34, 50, 47 and 35 points in North Carolina’s six losses, and the Tar Heels finished an ugly 113th nationally in yards per play allowed and 119th in scoring defense.
Word broke late last week that associate head coach for defense Vic Koenning would not return for the 2015 season, and now it appears Larry Fedora has his eyes on a replacement.
According to InsideCarolina.com, North Carolina has zeroed in on Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin to fill its vacancy. “Tar Heel head coach Larry Fedora met with Durkin on Sunday, sources confirmed, and the UNC administration has granted Fedora the ability to offer a competitive financial package,” the site writes. Durkin made $500,000 this season running the Gators’ defense while Koenning made half of that, according to the USA Today coaching salary database.
FootballScoop.com reported late Sunday night that the Tar Heels are unlikely to land Durkin.
Hear there are reports of UNC / Fedora targeting DJ Durkin of Florida for DC. Sources w knowledge tell us that is not likely to happen.
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) December 15, 2014
The situation at Florida is quite fluid. Would look for that to firm up this week. Will update as things become clear.
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) December 15, 2014
Durkin was promoted from special teams coordinator to defensive coordinator two years ago after Dan Quinn took a job with the Seattle Seahawks. His defenses ranked eighth and ninth, respectively, in yards per play allowed and 15th and 23rd in scoring defense while famously getting less than zero support from their offense. Of course, Will Muschamp had a heavy hand in running those defenses.
Durkin is serving as the Gators’ interim head coach for the Jan. 3 Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina, shepherding the program through the transition from Muschamp to Jim McElwain.
North Carolina will meet Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit on Dec. 26.