To add to Bobbys post: (I don't find this all that surprising): Florida co-defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong is working on finalizing a deal with Houston to join the program as defensive coordinator, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Prior to Florida, Armstrong spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Southern Miss. During his first season at Southern Miss in 2021, Armstrong was the youngest defensive coordinator in the FBS. Florida's defense started the 2023 season strong, including ranking near the top-10 in third-down defense in Armstrong's first season in Gainesville, though the final five games of the regular season saw UF's defense experience a decline as the competition increased.
Agreed, I imagine UF can hire another "Ra Ra" assistant coach to roam the sidelines, throw a visor, turn purple screaming, and grab players face masks on the sideline. Probably for much less than 2 million dollars. While I have ZERO inside information, it always seemed to me like Austin was "De-Promoted" when Ron Roberts was hired. I can't recall a single thread from GC that ever really defined "who was in charge" on defense. About the only thing I recall is Ron was sent up in the box while Austin was the sideline cheerleader. My assumption was Ron was called in because of the deplorable 23 defense, with the hopes he could lend stability. I think Austin sees the handwriting on the wall, and is trying to extricate himself from UF so he may start fresh, before he loses further credibility as a DC. My heartburn comes from the fact that for WHATEVER reason, UF turned it up a couple of notches after the Texas game, and I hate to see the "balance" upset after nearly 4 years of futility on that side of the ball.
Rodriguez was very successful at his alma mater, WVa. Beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl one year and finished 60-26 overall. A lot of Mountaineer faithful were pretty upset and hurt when he left for Michigan but, I’m sure it was more money, not to mention a higher profile job. They actually filed a lawsuit to recoup a 4 million dollar buyout he owed WVa for leaving. He bombed at Michigan and was not much better at Arizona State when they fired him during a sexual harassment investigation against him which was never substantiated. He has been at Jacksonville State and done very well there. WVa is probably over being mad at him because they have been mediocre, at best, since he left. Got him at bargain basement price too.
Insanity reigns supreme. No way this guy is worth double Barry Odom. I'd have hired an unknown Asst. Coach first.