No-Huddle Notes: What we heard from Auburn's three coordinators

Derrick Nix, D.J. Durkin and Tanner Burns broke down the latest for their respective units on Wednesday. (Plus: Koozies have arrived.)

(All photos from Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers)

School is back in session on the Plains, and Auburn football’s 2024 season will officially begin in a little more than a week.

The Tigers entered “extended game week” mode a couple of days ago, getting a dress rehearsal of what they’ll do over the next few months in preparation for the opener against Alabama A&M next Saturday.

Classes are started, practices have switched to a later time slot, and things are starting to accelerate for Hugh Freeze and his staff.

On Wednesday afternoon, all three of Auburn’s coordinators — Derrick Nix, D.J. Durkin and Tanner Burns — took the podium at the Football Performance Center for a pre-game week press conference. Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll hear from several players, and we’ll drop a new podcast episode for subscribers on Friday morning.

Here are some No-Huddle Notes on what we heard from Nix, Durkin and Burns:

Offensive Coordinator Derrick Nix

• Nix said he is “very pleased” with where starting quarterback Payton Thorne is at this point in the preseason. He called Thorne “an extension of the coaching staff” on the field, being a leader and making all the right pre-snap checks. Thorne has gained confidence in the passing game, thanks to the new receivers, and he’s “giving them a chance to go make plays.” The reviews continue to be positive for Auburn’s QB1. Now he’s got to translate that to the actual season.

• Newly crowned QB2 Hank Brown “just took the bull by the horns” since the start of the offseason, according to Nix. Brown’s knowledge of the offense has increased greatly over the last several months, and “he’s been more consistent on the practice field.” Despite his lack of experience, Brown’s gunslinger mentality and strong arm should make him a good-looking backup this fall.

• When asked what would be different with this year’s offense compared to last year’s unit, Nix had two major points: