Heading into the third year under coach Billy Napier, the Florida Gators are set for some major changes in their coaching staff. Most of these changes, until now, were focused on the defense, but it appears the offense is due for a shakeup as well. Russ Callaway, presently the tight ends coach, is reportedly being promoted to the position of co-offensive coordinator, as first reported by Jacob Rudner of 247Sports.
Callaway’s rise within the Gators’ staff has been quick, having been hired by Napier ahead of the 2022 season as a defensive intern. By March 2023, he had ascended to an on-field coaching role. His previous experience includes five seasons at Samford as the offensive coordinator and a stints with LSU in 2020 and the New York Giants in 2021.
Despite finishing the 2023 season with middling offensive stats, ranking 46th in total offense and 57th in scoring offense nationally, the Gators showed potential, achieving a 16th place ranking in red-zone offense. The team’s rushing game, however, suffered a decline to 83rd nationally, and their passing game, though more successful, still only ranked 62nd against FBS opponents.
Callaway’s credentials from his time at Samford are impressive. In 2018, under his leadership, Samford’s offense led the FCS in passing yards per game and ranked in the top 10 in total offense, red-zone offense, and first downs gained.
Still, it remains to be seen whether Callaway will be responsible for calling plays. Coach Napier has faced criticism for his situational play calling and overall game management, leading to calls for him to relinquish play calling duties. However, in a recent episode of Gator Tales, he indicated his intentions to retain these duties.
Rob Sale, the current offensive coordinator, has primarily focused on coaching the offensive line, with Napier calling the plays. With Sale’s assistant, Darnell Stapleton, departing for the NFL, there’s an open on-field coaching position as the Gators prepare for spring practice, which begins on March 7.
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