Don't know if this was previously discussed on Swamp Gas. LOL, maybe it belongs on THFSG?! Report: Patrick Toney could leave for NFL, Gators target new DC (on3.com) And ......... >>According to the ESPN report, Billy Napier is targeting Austin Armstrong, a former Louisiana assistant under Napier in 2020. Armstrong, a newly hired Alabama assistant, may join the Gators as a replacement for Toney. In January, Nick Saban and Alabama poached Armstrong from Southern Miss to coach inside linebackers. During his time in 2021 and 2022 at Southern Mississippi, Armstrong was the youngest coordinator in the NCAA. In 2022, Armstrong’s Southern Miss defense ranked 57th in total defense, giving up 372.2 yards per game and 5.4 yards per play. Napier and Armstrong’s connection goes back to 2017 and 2018 when Armstrong served as a graduate assistant under Napier at UL.<<
It almost sounds like it's a mutual parting of the ways. Going from a coordinator at a major program to a defensive assistant in the NFL? Seems a little odd. Unless he really, really wants to go to the NFL.
Isn't Jim Leonhard available? I know he just interviewed with the Eagles for their DC position but at least make the phone call.
Why would we call a proven DC to be our DC when we can get a young position coach who has potential? We're Florida. We hire based on potential!
I don't understand, but I guess it's clear something is going on behind the scenes. I don't understand why a guy jumps from DC to an NFL position coach. I don't understand why CBN would hire a guy and then suggest he leave so quickly (if indeed that's what happened.) And I really don't understand why we would replace a really young and inexperienced DC with a younger and MORE inexperienced DC. (If that's what we are doing.) I just don't get it.
I’m inclined to believe Napier is acting on what we all didn’t like last season - but doing it in a way that doesn’t wreck his friend’s young career. Half of Gator Nation wanted Toney fired mid-season but Napier doesn’t work that way. As stated earlier, maybe a mutual parting of ways with minimal collateral damage
Was hoping for some staff continuity. I realize this board will not be happy unless we get a proven DC, but Billy looks to value young and hungry guys who he’s worked with before over big names.
We all talk about chemistry among players in the locker room — it’s just as important (or even more) to have chemistry in the staff. There are many factors in play here. Consider that the most desirable proven veteran DCs out there may not be a good fit for our young coaching staff. Too many bosses can really screw things up. This is Napier’s show - he has to do this his way
IMO, not getting Jeff Scott on as OC to me is more questioning than Armstrong. It feels like this is another guy (albeit young) who has ties to Napier. We shall see whether he is prepared to step up his game. I do like a DC who coaches ILBs. It seems natural.
Probably will never know exactly what prompted this move but I like Skinks analysis. That said: Toney may have listened to the noise and decided to get out of Dodge while the gettin is good.
I don't think he's being nudged out, not after one season. It seems opportunistic to me. I just hope he hires a very strong replacement and an UPGRADE.
Toney did NOT have the moxy to be a DC. Man, you got to just ooze defiance to be a DC. And if you are not fearful when you are up by 5 and defending the 2 minute drill, your players will run through walls for you. Joe Lee Dunn. THAT was a DC. NEVER scared. Brought the thunder. Exploited the offense weakness and let it fly. If it ever applied to anything, the saying does to being a DC. Scared money don't make money. Toney was NOT the answer.
