The Florida Gators are going through changes. Some moves for the better, some are for the worse. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Gators made a few abrupt choices, especially in the defensive unit after the firings of Sean Spencer and Corey Raymond.
Now the Gators are making one more change to the coaching staff by giving former strength and conditioning [autotag]Mark Hocke[/autotag] a new role for next season.
Florida head coach Billy Napier addressed the media Wednesday afternoon and announced Hocke will mainly be an associate head coach, a role he played this past season.
Napier said the Orange and Blue are going through a rebuild, but he has a different name for it and Hocke will be at the forefront.
“We’ve been in an evaluation mode,” Napier said. “I do anticipate some different leadership there, different approach there. You guys all know Mark (Hocke). Mark’s an unbelievable leader, person. He’s done an unbelievable job for me personally for six years. I can’t compliment him enough in terms of character and loyalty. One of the things that Mark and I have always talked about is what’s next for him in his career?
“Ultimately we’re going to try to help Mark with that, and he’s going to be doing different things for our organization, a lot more upstairs, kind of making some of that transition into the coaching element,” Napier continued. “He’s always had aspirations to do those things, and I think that presents an opportunity for us to bring new leadership from a strength and conditioning standpoint.”
Hocke worked four seasons under Napier as the strength and conditioning coach for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun and tagged along when the Florida head coach made his way to Gainesville in 2022.
As of right now, Napier has no name to share for will be taking over the strength and conditioning role for the Gators.
“I do think that we’re right in the middle of that process,” Napier said. “But I can’t compliment Mark enough relative to the work he’s done for us. We wouldn’t be here without Mark Hocke. I’m excited about helping Mark pursue some of the things that he and I have always discussed.”
The Florida Gators will look to fill the strength and conditioning role as the offseason rolls on. They will continue its rebuild over the recruiting season before national signing day on Feb. 7.
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