This is an opinion column.

I don’t know DJ Durkin. I hope Hugh Freeze, John Cohen and Chris Roberts do. I hope the Auburn football coach, athletics director and president are all comfortable with hiring Durkin as defensive coordinator after a thorough vetting.

Because what you and I and the general public know about the worst time of Durkin’s life and career is troubling to say the least.

I know he was the Maryland head coach when offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed during a conditioning drill in May of 2018 and died two weeks later of heatstroke.

I know Maryland placed Durkin on administrative leave in August of 2018 pending an external review of his program the day after an ESPN report alleged “a toxic culture” existed under his leadership.

I know the University System of Maryland Board of Regents took control of the review, which concluded “no toxic culture” existed and the program’s culture did not contribute to McNair’s death but did find examples of bullying and humiliation by the strength coach.