For the Gators’ defense, Ron Roberts will be the “Head Coach”
Ron Roberts, the defensive coordinator from Auburn, was hired by Florida’s head coach Billy Napier during the summer. Ron Roberts will join the Gators as an inside linebackers coach in 2024, as well as an executive head coach and co-defensive coordinator.
“We need to play better on that side of the ball, I think that was part of the evaluation,” Napier stated at the press conference on Wednesday. “I believe we go through a process to assess what we need to do better. Occasionally, that means bringing in fresh voices, new teachers, new leadership, or new recruitment strategies.”
After Jay Bateman left to take a position as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, the Aggies hired Roberts to replace him.
On Ron Roberts, Napier stated, “Jay [Bateman] got a chance to be a coordinator again so we went and we were able to get one of the better defensive coaches in the country back on our staff.”
In college football, the title of Executive Head Coach is not one that is frequently used. During the news conference on Wednesday, Napier gave some specifics about the duties of that position.
Napier described Roberts’ position with the Gators as “head coach for the defense.” “Essentially, a guy who manages that side of the ball in some capacity.”
Alexander is undoubtedly the coordinator, calling plays and heading unit meetings, but Napier added of Roberts, “We are getting a guy who can coach the coaches, who can improve the installation of the game plan, that really can get the best of that side of the ball.”
Roberts served as Louisiana’s defensive coordinator under Billy Napier from 2018 to 2019. Austin Armstrong was employed by Louisiana in 2018 as a graduate assistant.
Regarding Roberts and Armstrong’s relationship, Napier exclaimed, “It’s fantastic.” You consider Ron Roberts and the contributions he makes, for example. Head coach, coordinator, play caller, and seasoned coach. There is a great deal of respect, mutual respect, and a mentor-like relationship between Austin and him.
Roberts is the “OG,” or “godfather,” of the defense that Florida has attempted to assemble over the previous two seasons, according to Napier.
Napier remarked of Roberts, “He’s going to make us better; he’ll make the players better.” Both the individuals under his coaching and the teams under his supervision have consistently produced results. We are lucky to have him because he has a history of playing excellent defense.
Pro Football Focus (PFF), which grades teams, placed the Tigers in the top 25 for pass coverage (17th), overall defense (18th), rushing defense (19th), and tackling (24th) during Roberts’ most recent tenure as Auburn’s defensive coordinator.