Previously, the third-year coach made suggestions on adjustments to the offensive line.
Coach Billy Napier has stated he will still play an active role on the offensive end, despite earlier suggestions that Florida might make major changes to its offensive lineup in addition to other staff changes this offseason.
On the Gator Tales podcast, Napier responded, “Yeah, I do,” when asked if he wanted to continue calling plays. “In the grand scheme of things, I believe we are trying to nurture and groom some of the individuals in our group. We’ve put a lot of effort into evaluating it in terms of what that looks like during the offseason.
“I believe we had some strong offensive play in the latter stages. We wrote several really dramatic plays. We received points. We appear to have a quarterback returning in the same scheme. In the end, I believe it’s about getting all these other things taken care of so I can concentrate and give the team my all in that area.”
Already, a few coaches in Florida divide up the planning and strategizing chores. Since Rob Sale oversees both the offensive line and the offense, he essentially controls how the run game is implemented. Having previously served as Stamford’s offensive coordinator, Florida’s tight ends coach Russ Callaway will aid in the growth of the team’s passing game.
In an attempt to lighten the offensive load, Napier is making a concerted effort to delegate some of his duties, which might expedite the procedure.
“I think we’re gonna hand off some tasks on offense,” Napier stated. “I believe we have a solid bunch of offensive coaches there, and we’re lucky that they will return. We had the same offensive group my entire tenure at Louisiana, right up to the final year. Having the same group of coaches is beneficial.
Offense gained traction.
Although Florida’s 2023 season ended poorly, the Gators offense performed admirably in the latter part of the campaign. Following three games in which they averaged 13.7 points against power league opponents and a 22-point performance at home against Charlotte, Florida’s past seven games have seen them surpass the 30-point threshold five times.
Graham Mertz, the veteran quarterback who had quietly had the best season of his long career, inspired Florida. In just three interceptions, he completed a pass for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns, with 14 of those touchdowns coming during Florida’s recent 7-game offensive surge.
For his sixth season of eligibility, Mertz is back. Thus, Florida ought to be able to capitalize on the momentum he created during that intensely heated finale of the 2023 campaign. On an offensive line that faltered at times last season, the Gators have some holes to fill, but Mertz is surrounded by enough offensive talent, particularly brilliant rookie wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, to anticipate at least some improvement under Napier.
