October 25, 2024

Now in the NFL are former Florida Gators coaches.

Six swing games that could impact Florida Gators 2023 football season

GAINESVILLE, Florida — In less than three hours, three coaches from the Florida Gators left Gainesville for the NFL. Austin Armstrong has already taken over as Billy Napier’s defensive coordinator. Next season, the 29-year-old will be the collegiate football team’s youngest defensive coordinator. There are still two spots available on Florida’s roster, and spring training is quickly approaching.
Six swing games that could impact Florida Gators 2023 football season
Although it happened quickly, the decision to join the NFL may not be novel. Florida now has 22 former coaches or graduate assistants on NFL coaching staffs, according to a count by Gators Online. We discussed the present status of the college football schedule last week, along with the reasons it may discourage coaches from entering the collegiate ranks. Jesse Simonton, a national columnist for On3, also wrote on how college coaches are being impacted by the shifting environment.
According to Simonton, during the NIL era’s last two coaching carousel cycles, the following number of FBS coaches left for the NFL:
Six swing games that could impact Florida Gators 2023 football season
There doesn’t seem to be a problem with Billy Napier or the Gators. Instead, it’s a problem with the college football schedule as a whole and the responsibilities of a collegiate coach. Many football coaches are content to instruct ball and watch films. You get paid well in college, but your work never stops.

Gators coaches in the NFL

Patrick Toney — Arizona Cardinals, Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties (2022)

William Peagler — Arizona Cardinals, TE coach at Florida (2022)

Keary Colbert — Wide Receivers Coach, Denver Broncos, WR coach at Florida (2022)

Zach Azzanni — Wide Receivers Coach, New York Jets, Passing game coordinator/wide receivers at Florida (2010)

Justin Hinds — Assistant Defensive Line Coach, Chicago Bears, GA at Florida (2015)

Jon Hoke — Cornerbacks/passing game coordinator, Chicago Bears, DC and secondary coach at Florida (1999-2001)

Tyke Tolbert — Passing game coordinator/wide receivers, Chicago Bears, recruiting coordinator at Florida (2002)

Jeff Blasko — Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Dallas Cowboys, offensive quality control coach at Florida (2011)

Dan Quinn — DC, Dallas Cowboys, DC at Florida (2011-12)

Cedric Smith — Assistant strength and conditioning, Dallas Cowboys, played for Florida (1986-89)

Chris Rumph — Defensive Line, Minnesota Vikings, DL/Co-Dc at Florida (2015-17)

Todd Grantham – Defensive Line, New Orleans Saints, DC for Florida (2018-21)

Brian Johnson — Quarterbacks, Philadelphia Eagles, QBs/OC at Florida (2018-20)

Stephen Adegoke — Defensive Quality Control, San Francisco 49ers, defensive GA at Florida (2021)

Joey Fitzgerald — Defensive Quality Control, Tampa Buccaneers, Recruiting specialist at Florida (2018)

John Van Dam — Tight Ends, Tampa Buccaneers, Offensive quality control and assistant QBs coach at Florida (2015)

Teryl Austin — DC, Pittsburgh Steelers, DC at Florida (2010)

Ryan Crow — Outside Linebackers, Tennessee Titans, Strength intern at Florida (2011)

Frank Piriiano — Director of Sports Performance, Tennessee Titans, Strength and conditioning staff at Florida (2005-09)

Anthony Weaver —  Assistant Head Coach/defensive line, Baltimore Ravens, GA at Florida (2010)

Kerry Dixon — Assistant Quarterbacks, Baltimore Ravens, Wide Receivers coach at the Florida (2015-17)

Zach Azzani — Wide Receivers Coach, Denver Broncos, Passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach at Florida (2010)

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