The “Godfather” of the current defensive structure in Gainesville officially made his way to campus this offseason.
Following the departure of linebackers coach Jay Bateman to Texas A&M to serve as Mike Elko’s defensive coordinator in his inaugural campaign in charge in College Station, Florida hit the market, surveying its options for a viable replacement.
Notable names like DJ Durkin, Jamar Chaney, Mark Ivey, Chris Partridge and George Helow arose as possible candidates to fill the void. But, none of those veteran assistants were chosen.
Instead, Napier — as he has done frequently during his time at UF — elected to take the route of familiarity. The Gators reeled in former Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who served with Napier and Co. at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2018-19, to command Florida’s inside linebackers unit with additional executive head coach and co-defensive coordinator titles.
Napier spoke highly of Roberts’ 30-plus-year résumé on Wednesday, offering insight into the reunification and how it provides a luxury to Florida’s defensive staff, including defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong.