Gators fire defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, coach John Hevesy Third-team tailback Terry Jackson picked up the load when Elijah Williams and Fred Taylor were injured, rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns. He took it very seriously. Its not only good for your players, its good for your coaches.. In conclusion, this is a world of contrasts. This is a decision that needs to be madequickly, but its also something that needs be decided thoroughly as itwill affect the team short-term and long-term. The first to report both firings was Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. University Athletic Association Research would tell us this group of young people, from an attention-span standpoint, you need to keep them moving. Tyler Nettuno follow January 16, 2022 1:16 pm ET Florida's on-field staff is close to complete. This next hire for Defensive Coordinator will be crucial for just that. 29-year-old Austin Armstrong was named as the new defensive coordinator Monday afternoon by. Mitchell will play his tail off, but he has to take his game to another level to make this defense work. I can remember Brandon Spikes tackling Knowshon Moreno.. Per 247Sports Carl Reed, the two coaches that have emerged as candidates are Oklahoma States Jim Knowles and Houstons Doug Belk. . The former walk-on was pretty pedestrian a year ago making 14 of 21 field goal tries. Gray is the defensive backs coach for Florida and coached at Virginia Tech the previous 10seasons in the same position. Florida Gators defensive coordinator Geoff Collins agreed to become head coach of the Temple Owls. 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College. All rights reserved. We kind of have an idea who that will be and the position usually gets little publicity. Impactful insider coverage of Nashville politics and education that keeps our officials in check. Ranking every Florida Gator in the NFL at the start of the 2022 season. They gave up 30 or more points in six games and ranked last in the Southeastern Conference in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert more than 49% of the time. Secondly, because his job as a recruiter will become much easier with a higher position, and would have a field day recruiting top-tier talent to come to Florida. Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz won the starting quarterback competition and will take over a job most recently held by Anthony Richardson, the No. The pressure on Napier is more from his role as play-caller and clock manager. Napier plucked the energetic, visor-wearing assistant from Alabamas staff in February to replace Patrick Toney, who bolted for the NFL less than two weeks before spring practice. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Administration, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Strategic Communications and Broadcast Productions, Sr. But you erase that by playing your (butt) off and punishing the ball carrier.. Maxie Baughan, one of the most fearsome linebackers of the 1960s, who earned nine Pro Bowl nods as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and Los . CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/KS/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY),(800) 327-5050or visitgamblinghelplinema.org(MA). When Napier needed to replace Patrick Toney after his Feb. 22 departure for the NFL and with spring practice 10 days away, Floridas second-year coach asked Armstrong to choose the Gators over family proximity in the wake of tragedy and a school every red-blooded south Alabaman placed on a pedestal. Look, this defense has progressively become more embarrassing each year over the past three. Secondary coach Corey Raymond has worked with some of the nations best defensive backs at LSU; line coach Sean Spencer had successful stints at Penn State and in the NFL; inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman is former defensive coordinator at North Carolina; and Gators legend Mike Peterson, who coaches edge players, had 1,220 tackles in the NFL playing the same position Armstrong did in college. Florida Gators fans had a golden era of football from 1990-2010. The thing holding itback is recruiting. He previously served as defensive coordinator at the University of Florida . The fast-rising, high-energy, visor-wearing 29-year-old now finds himself helping the struggling Gators five head coaches and two decades removed from Spurrier close the gap in a league Alabama dominated for more than a decade until Georgias recent run. I know that sounds like a bunch of coach-speak, but every great defense, regardless of if its the 85 Bears, its Georgia last year, its the Ravens, they ran and they hit. And there are those athletes who are flop-sweating so badly you hope their moms arent watching. The whole point is how long can you keep somebody engaged. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy. At 56, he brings head coaching experience to the table (he was the head man at Cornell from 2004-09). Because he cant do it by himself. So good that Napier recommended him to Georgia coach Kirby Smart for a quality control job. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. He was named assistant head coach in 2020, and the co part of his title was dropped this season. Floridas callow defensive coordinator grew up as mobile devices evolved into a source of instant connection, information and distraction. Follow all the action here! Behind those three, quarterback-turned-receiver Evan Prater, Washington State transfer Donovan Ollie, Connecticut transfer Aaron Turner . Im going resist the urge to grab my phone and do that. He has put a lot of good defense on tape, but if Marshall is going to be a first-round pick which he certainly has a chance to be he has to play at an elite level. This time, Armstrong must validate Napiers faith and a seven-figure salary by resurrecting a side of football in serious decline the past three seasons. Florida fires defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, offensive line coach John Hevesy, One simple switch to save Florida football. There are several names that have been in contention to replace Collins at Florida. Access to breaking news that impacts the heart of Music City - from healthcare watchdog reporting to local crime. The official Football Coach List for the Florida Gators Gators. And part of a massive rebuild in Gainesville. Its surely the lowest preseason expectations in decades for a program that boasts three national titles. Florida co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney is leaving the Gators to join the Arizona Cardinals as a defensive assistant, as first reported by Chris Low via Twitter. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. In something of a surprise, Florida will turn to linebackers coach Christian Robinson as its defensive play-caller, elevating a young coach known as the Gators best recruiter to a position just vacated by the coach who brought him to Gainesville. Nobody with a brain thinks Napier is in any trouble if this season doesnt go well. Meanwhile, Armstrongs timing has been virtually impeccable during his coaching career. Gators coach Dan Mullen addresses firing Todd Grantham, John Hevesy The team has filled the second co-defensive coordinator spot. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these. Going forward,Floridas line is deeper and heftier, beginning with Memphis transfer Cam Jackson (6-6, 355) one of seven newcomers up front. Florida defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, 30, instructing his players Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, uses his youth to his advantage as he pushes to turn around the Gators'. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel,. Those are all controllable. Thats about 10 [percent] to 15 percent of your team. Its pretty common knowledge in professional circles that Austin Armstrong was a rising star, Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who worked at Louisiana from 2018-19, told the Sentinel. Hes considered one of the up-and-coming defensive coaches in the country, and he could be a target for head coaching searches in the coming years. The 2020 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Hes always ready to pop.. Defensive coordinator: 2018 Brian Johnson: Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks: 2018 Tim Brewster: Assistant head coach / Tight ends: 2020 John Hevesy: New Florida defensive coordinator, Patrick Toney, will call the plays for the Gators' defense after holding the same title for only two seasons at Louisiana. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Who will Florida hire to replace him? He had also served as a recruiting coordinator at Vanderbilt and was an NFL defensive backs coach with the New Orleans Saints for three years from 2013-15. And he is counting on this opportunity almost a last chance after leaving Wisconsin in his rear-view. That has nothing to do with scheme, it has nothing to do with talent. In another unexpected twist, Armstrong left Tuscaloosa after just two months with Nick Sabans dynasty to join Billy Napiers rebuild in Gainesville. But the other 85 percent this is how they do it. https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/16/florida-football-sean-spencer-co-defensive-coordinator-hire/, Florida snags Georgia cornerback from transfer portal, Here's where Florida stands in latest ESPN recruiting rankings, Gators with a not-so-nice spot in USA TODAY Sports' final re-rank, Florida competing with SEC East rival for this 3-star safety, Florida football finds itself buried in CBS Sports' final 2021 rankings, Dooley's Dozen: 12 members of Florida football under most pressure, Florida's 7th-year senior turning heads at fall camp, 2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Tight Ends, PHOTOS: Highlights from Kyle Trask's second preseason appearance, 2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Wide Receivers, Blue-chip 2024 DL ponders decision date, considers Florida, 16 famous people you didn't know attended the University of Florida, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Were working this over here specifically, were working this area specifically, the fronts working this, the corners have broken off and doing this, the fast-talking Alabaman said. Florida has fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach Todd Hevesy, confirming the moves in a Monday morning release. You need somebody that can be that every day because youre not going to be like that every day, but you have a little firecracker as a DC. In just those two short years,. Your mother passes away. To improve Florida football 's third down defense in 2023, new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong wants to create a mindset. Florida previously made a run at former Alabama assistant and Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Karl Scott as co-DC, but those conversations apparently fell through. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Lupoi is the guy who convinced Mack Wilson, a playerFlorida coveted last year, to go to Alabama. Robinson served as Muschamp's defensive backs coach from 2011-14 at UF, where he. If Florida is able to convinceLupoi to go to Gainesville, that would be a game changer. He served as the defensive coordinator at Duke from 2010-17 under David Cutcliffe before taking his current job at Oklahoma State. Has a different meeting structure than what weve done in the past, Spencer said. He was a solid player that knew what to do, just wasnt as blessed athletically as some of the other guys. Spending most of his career behind Hawks star Zach Brownell, who became USA South Athletic Conference defensive player of the year, Armstrong started a few games and played special teams. Its funny youre talking to coaches and youre like, Yes sir.. Florida fires defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, offensive line coach Im going to want to hit it and see whos texting me. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll. No pointing of fingers, no missing assignments. McGriff has deep ties to the SEC, but he also has some Sunshine State ties, as well. Florida is reportedly hiring Wesley McGriff as a defensive assistant College Football Hall of Famer Maxie Baughan dead at 85 2 pass defense in the country this year. While he has missed on some key recruits over the last few years, hes a solid recruiter and would have an easier time getting recruits with defensive coordinator next to his name. This will be our first chance to see what kind of AD Scott Stricklin will be at Florida with his first hire. By Alex Williams. Sometimes, Austin Armstrong himself break downs, fails to maintain eye discipline, gets handsy and loses the ultimate one-on-one battle of his generation. Maxie Baughan, Feared Linebacker of the 1960s, Dies at 85 Per terms of his deal, obtained through an open records request . Florida football: Gators to hire Sean Spencer as co-DC, DL coach When Armstrong first caught the coaching bug as a kid, he didnt realize drawing up ball plays would demand a nomadic lifestyle rife with difficult life choices. https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/29/florida-football-billy-napier-defensive-coordinator-targets-jim-knowles-doug-belk/, OPINION: Napier wasn't the easy choice but the right one, Meet Florida football's new head coach Billy Napier, Here's where SEC teams stand in the Week 14 USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, Florida sees another drop in ESPN's Football Power Index despite win, Dameon Pierce receives A+ grade from USA TODAY Sports for gutsy, helmet-less run vs. FSU, Dooley's Dozen: 12 members of Florida football under most pressure, Florida's 7th-year senior turning heads at fall camp, 2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Tight Ends, PHOTOS: Highlights from Kyle Trask's second preseason appearance, 2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Wide Receivers, Blue-chip 2024 DL ponders decision date, considers Florida, 16 famous people you didn't know attended the University of Florida, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. One thing is clear under Armstrong: the Gators will not sit around in the dark looking for answers. Armstrongs high-energy, in-your-face style has been infectious a season after Toneys cerebral, reserved demeanor did little to inspire his players. P.O. I try to keep everybody included as much as possible. Staff Directory - Florida Gators They just need one to be good this season. The defense dominated the annual spring game, highlighted by 9 sacks, and does not appear to be a doormat after three seasons of opponents routinely pushing around UF. Hall hired Armstrong at Southern Miss, making him the nations youngest defensive coordinator in 2021. Yet, players notice a difference. But for whatever reason, the good Lord gave me favor. Florida football: Tosh Lupoi a candidate for Billy Napier's staff? Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). Do your job. Florida coach Billy. Florida football: How much is new Gators defensive coordinator Austin No other returning receiver had more than 10 catches last year so the heat is on Pearsall. Follow us@GatorsWireon Twitter and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions. The UF defense struggled mightily in Year 3 under Todd Grantham, who also served as Mullen's defensive coordinator at Mississippi State in 2017. Sooner or later, I can see Gray leaving for a chance to lead a defense, but I think Florida should have him in their minds for this job. What is a Defensive Coordinator? Plus, Top NFL Defensive - SportsRec Im no different than any of our players, Armstrong told the Sentinel. Florida football DC changing Gators' third down mindset. That was before OCyrus Torrence was dominant in his one year here and became a consensus All-American. His approach, being outspoken and stuff like that I just thought he was awesome.. In an act akin to treason in the tiny town of York, located an hour southwest of Tuscaloosa, Armstrong showed up at school wearing a blue visor, an orange polo shirt and a battered headset like truckers wear, he recalled. The official staff directory for the Florida Gators Gators Skip To Main . Everyone is going to mess up and make mistakes. List of Current NFL Defensive Coordinators (Updated 2023) Im not planning on wasting it., Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com. More than half the worlds population sees AP journalism every day. Florida Gators Football: Who Will UF Hire As Defensive Coordinator Armstrong had to exert maximum effort and dig into the details to survive as a slow-footed, 200-pound linebacker. Have fun storming the castle, boys, because this is a schedule that is going to ramp up that pressure as we look at the 12 Gators feeling it the most with the start of the season less than two weeks away. Scheme-wise, Moten is looking forward to his role under new UF defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong. We have to get a result.. Gators Defensive Coordinator Hot Board - Last Word on College Football Florida coaching search: Bob Stoops, Lane Kiffin, Billy Napier among FILE - Florida head football coach Billy Napier runs players through drills during NCAA college football practice in Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 1, 2023. . Most coaches recognize that a lot more than the fans would.. And a new kind of Pepsi Challenge could fix them. Even when I coached in the pros, they can only sit still for about 25 minutes before they start moving around. In his final two years at Penn State in 2018 and 2019, he was also the associate head coach. A lot of guys like myself, I feel like Im a little bit ADHD and Ive got to go be out there and visualize it myself, he said. Both Grantham and Hevesy had come under fire throughout Dan Mullens tenure in Gainesville, and each had coached a unit that has gone from relative strength to major weakness for Floridas 2021 team. Director of Creative Media & Football Branding, Assistant Director of Player Personnel / Pro Liaison, Director of Creative Media and Social Strategy, Associate Director, Sports Health for Football, Director of Speed Improvement and Skill Development, Assistant of Quality Control / Assistant to the Head Coach, Football Business Manager & GatorMade Coordinator, Associate Director of Creative Video for Football Recruiting, Director of Football Recruiting & External Engagement, Assistant Director (Men's & Women's Golf, Football). [Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun] confirms a Sunday report putting Sollenne in Hevesys shoes, 2007: The inside story of the greatest CFB season ever, The all-time consensus national championships list, The evolutionary history of option football. Defensive Schemes. The Gators could use a similar level of ownership, passion and inquisitiveness as they try to silence naysayers in 2023. From $51,000 a year. Get your hardhats ready, Armstrong shouts. UF is the seventh and most substantive stop of his fledgling career, but one that did not surprise those in the know despite Armstrongs youth. Talent, depth, scheme, coaching? Depth remains an issue for the unit, especially after losing edge rusher Justus Boone to a torn knee ligament last week. Per UF, linebackers coach Christian Robinson will assume defensive play-calling duties for Todd Grantham, while Paul Pasqualoni, special assistant to the head coach, will play an on-field role for . Mertz is a fourth-year junior who started 32 games over four seasons with the Badgers. https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/lists/florida-football-12-gators-most-pressure-pat-dooley-2023/, Florida 7th-year senior turning heads at fall camp, The Athletic previews Florida football, SEC ahead of 2023 season, Blue-chip 2024 DL ponders decision date, considers Florida, Florida football has SEC's toughest non-conference schedule in 2023, Florida football's senior transfer RB out for season with injury, Magnolia State OL recruit ponders visit date after Florida football's offer, Blue-chip 2025 RB recruit feeling good about Florida football, Florida likely to host 4-star wide receiver target, 2023 Florida Football Position Preview: Wide Receivers, Florida running back injured, carted off field during scrimmage, Dooley's Dozen: 12 members of Florida football under most pressure, 16 famous people you didn't know attended the University of Florida, Dooley's Dozen: Florida football's 12 best RBs packed with big names, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. The thing holding it back is recruiting. In-depth analysis of The Nashville music scene, including reporter Marcus Dowlings stories that draw connections with the past and tell us where the industry is going next. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ),1-800-522-4700(NH), 888-789-7777/visitccpg.org(CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or visitOPGR.org(OR) orwww.1800gambler.net(WV). You could tell right away there was a different level to what he wanted to know, Turk, his college coach, recalled. In 2022, Toney's lone year in Gainesville, the Gators. He joined head coach Will Hall at West Georgia in 2016 to help coach defensive line, left for a similar role for Napier at Louisiana-Lafayette in 2017-18, spent a season as a defensive quality control coach with Kirby Smart at Georgia in 2019 and rejoined Napier in 2020 to coach inside linebackers. I might as well have a script A on my butt. The guys that learn by putting the picture up there and showing the video, theyre going to learn it regardless if they walk through it or not. 14 Utah. The over/under betting line on Floridas win total is at 5 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. But he is betting on himself to have a big year. While Napiers offense with Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz at quarterback will get much of the attention this season, the defense seemingly has more room for growth. Armstrong arrived with a plan to prevent a first-world problem from hindering improvement with UFs third-down defense, ranked last in the SEC in 2022. The dude is pretty calm and collected, but you know that he needs a solid year from the football program to get the naysayers off his back. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But while Grantham making it to 2020 was seen as an upset and a misstep by many, he had only about a half-decade of tenure under Mullen a single year at Mississippi State, then three at Florida to speak of. He needs to do better. The transfer is being asked to replace one of the best to ever play linebacker in Ventrell Miller, who sometimes looked like the only one playing hard. Dont mistake activity for accomplishment. A lot of energy, Gators defensive tackle Tyreak Sapp said. His was going to be 30 minutes because he was going to ask 41 questions while he was there. Although he hasn't tweaked Florida's scheme very much . Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. It looks like three-ring circus out there.. Armstrong, who coached three seasons with Toney at Louisiana, has not made a schematic overhaul as much as an attitude adjustment. He wasnt a great player, Huntington coach Mike Turk told the Sentinel. Will Muschamp. Full-time. Football is a business. The Gators are considering moving Tyreak Sapp and Jack Pyburn to the position in hopes of adding depth. August 20, 2023 10:51 am ET. Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). The first thing that came to me when I walked in that room that first day is we have to get the mentality of playing defense at Florida, Armstrong said. Many pointed to Toneys age (32) and inexperience at the Power 5 level, knocks on Armstrong upon his expeditious Feb. 27 hiring. He would just talk to you. Please check your email for a confirmation. Follow all your favorite Florida teams at Gators Wire, Jaguars Wire, Bucs Wire, Dolphins Wire and The Gainesville Sun! Others may be facing legal action. R.J. Moten out to create legacy for Florida Gators football Your brother and his wife are there, your dad lives 45 minutes away. Per Pro Football Focus, Moten has gone 534 coverage snaps without giving up a touchdown. A 4-3 defense means there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers in the formation. Just because youre sitting there for an hour and a half and youre watching this tape, doesnt mean theyre participating., Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com. The starting quarterback at the University of Florida always has an intense amount of pressure on him. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital, Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Line, Associate Head Coach - Offense / Running Backs, Associate Head Coach / Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, Director of Professional Development, GatorMade, Senior Director of Player Relations and GatorMade, Assistant for College Personnel / On-Campus Recruiting, Asst. Former Michigan safety R.J. Moten and former Memphis defensive tackle Cam Jackson are among the newcomers to watch. Thats OK. Im not scared to say that. Spencer had accepted a position on Mike Elkos staff at Duke just a few days ago as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, but it appears he will make the jump to the SEC instead. He arrived with a heavy heart. Zach Abolverdi Gator Sports Florida coach Dan Mullen shook up his staff Sunday, firing a pair of longtime assistants in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John. The Gators believe Armstrong will lead them in the right direction. Jim Bates (born May 31, 1946) is a former American football coach in the National Football League (NFL), most recently serving as defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You dont want a low-energy DC. The Gators secondary has the talent to be elite again, beginning with third-year cornerback Jason Marshall. Its a Disney freaking script. Gosh, there are some of you still recovering from old Georgia games. Armstrongs approach was novel for a staff of 40- and 50-somethings, too. Coach Spencers old as dirt, I dont know how old he is, Armstrong said of the 52-year-old. Geoff Collins agreedto become the new head coach of the Temple Owls. They were pretty easy decisions. He served as head football coach at the University of Florida from 2011 to 2014 and at the University of South Carolina from 2016 to 2020. Austin Armstrong Named Defensive Coordinator - Florida Gators Best-in-class Titans, Preds, and high school sports coverage from reporters on the field - along with access to USA Today Sports+. Here in about 10 minutes were going to be a deep conversation. Knowles is an experienced coach that has been around the block. Eligibility restrictions apply. Florida coach Billy Napier turns to 30-year-old Austin Armstrong to revamp a porous defense, Iowa States Jirehl Brock, among football players charged in gambling sting, leaves the program, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to serve 3-game suspension to open season for NCAA recruiting violations, Southern California hires Washingtons Jennifer Cohen as athletic director, Napier plucked the energetic, visor-wearing assistant from Alabamas staff, Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz at quarterback, Graham Mertz won the starting quarterback competition, https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll. When at Virginia Tech, they allowed the least amount of passing yards per game over his 10years, and has the No. Coordinator for Administrative Operations, Sr. Were going to mess up. The official Football Coach List for the Florida Gators Gators Skip To Main .
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