In addition to coaching linebackers, Ron Roberts will advise Gators defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong and other defensive staff members.
The “Godfather” of Gainesville’s current defensive scheme officially arrived on 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 first season at College Station, Florida began looking for a suitable replacement.
Notable candidates to fill the void were DJ Durkin, Jamar Chaney, Mark Ivey, Chris Partridge, and George Helow. However, none of the veteran helpers were chosen.
Instead, Napier, like he has done repeatedly during his time at UF, chose the conventional way. Former Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who worked with Napier and Co. at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2018-19, was hired as Florida’s inside linebackers coach, as well as executive head coach and co-defensive coordinator.
On Wednesday, Napier praised Roberts’ 30-plus-year resume, providing insight into the reconnection and how it benefits Florida’s defensive staff, particularly defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong.
“It’s phenomenal,” Napier said of the new addition. “Think about Ron Roberts and what he brings to the table: he’s a veteran coach who has served as a head coach, coordinator, and play-caller.
“We went and we were able to get one of the better defensive coaches in the country back on our staff.”
Although Roberts has never coached in Gainesville before, his fingerprints are all over the current operation at the University of Florida.
He is credited with developing the unit’s current defensive strategy, which was passed down from Roberts to Patrick Toney — the Gators’ coordinator in 2022 — and Armstrong (2023), both of whom served under Roberts at UL.
“I think it’s a positive because the system that we run, Ron started that system at Louisiana,” he said.
“The first two years we were there, we basically had it up and running. It has evolved, and the people in charge have previously worked for him. So I believe it was either Patrick Toney, who took over and is now in the National Football League, or Austin… They call him the OG, Godfather, or anything you want to name him. We get him back in the building, and he’s going to help us and the guys improve.”
Roberts’ team led the Big 12 Conference in interceptions, turnovers forced, turnover margin, and defensive touchdowns during his three-year tenure at Baylor.
He carried over some of his success from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2023, guiding Auburn to top-50 national rankings in total defence, scoring defence, sacks, and tackles-for-loss despite Hugh Freeze’s up-and-down first season.
As a result, Napier saw Roberts’ desire in moving to Florida as advantageous, as he filled on-field assistant roles for the second consecutive offseason.
The experienced assistant’s return to working alongside his protégé, Armstrong, adds another trustworthy source of advice and instruction as the staff seeks to reconcile the unit’s defensive failings of previous years.
Roberts’ designation as executive defensive head coach, or “head coach of the defence,” emphasizes the importance of his work in assisting Armstrong with game planning, installation, and other facets of the weekly process to ensure a flawless operation on game day.
Armstrong will stay at the top of the defensive pecking order, but Roberts’ extra experience and respect factor may alleviate the 30-year-old’s load of effectively calling plays.
“Austin and him have a mentor-type relationship,” Napier said. “And a lot of respect, mutual respect on both sides, so I believe we receive knowledge.
“Essentially, a guy who manages that side of the ball to some extent. Austin is obviously the coordinator, calling the plays and running the unit meetings, but we’re getting a man who can coach the coaches, enhance the installation, gameplans, and basically get the best on that side of the ball. He’s the defense’s head coach to some extent, and I believe the coordinator-relationship there is one in which, you know, those guys are enjoying life right now, so they’re both ball players.”
Florida, which ranked No. 69 among FBS programs in total defence (382.2 yards per game allowed), No. 75 (27.58 points per game allowed) in scoring defence, and No. 102 in red zone defence last year, is relying heavily on Roberts to help smooth the road ahead for one of the youngest play-callers at the Power Five level as the staff prepares for a prove-it year in 2024.
Napier’s confidence indicates that Roberts could be the missing piece in the Gators’ long-awaited defensive revival next season.
“His players, as well as the groups he teaches, are usually productive. So there’s a track record of excellent defence, and we’re fortunate to have him.”
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