Florida is expected to bring in Alabama inside linebackers coach Austin Armstrong as the replacement for former defensive coordinator Patrick Toney, who recently accepted a job with the Arizona Cardinals, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.
Armstrong never really got settled in his new role with the Crimson Tide after officially joining the program just nine days ago. Nick Saban brought him in after an impressive run as the defensive coordinator for Southern Miss for the past two years. The Golden Eagles ranked third nationally in tackles for loss and were fifth in sacks last season. Perhaps even more impressive, Armstrong was the youngest defensive coordinator in FBS when he was hired.
While Napier can’t officially comment on the hire until it’s public, he did speak in general terms with Gators Online on Wednesday.
“You know, one of the things we’ve been able to do is hire good people, and hopefully we can continue that trend,” Napier said. “I think if you looked at who’s worked for us in the past, they’re spread out and they’re all over. So, this is another example.”
To follow up on this: Austin Armstrong is indeed leaving Alabama and taking the defensive coordinator job at Florida, sources tell @on3sports.
Armstrong was Southern Miss’ DC the last two years prior to joining the Bama staff in January.https://t.co/DlIXY67ten https://t.co/Qozxpeqy5N
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 22, 2023
Armstrong and head coach Billy Napier have some history together. He worked under Napier in 2018 and 2020 at Louisiana-Lafayette. He also has some knowledge on how Florida’s biggest foe operates after spending a season working under Kirby Smart at Georgia in 2019.
It’s safe to say that Armstrong is a rising star in the college football coaching ranks, but he’ll be put under a spotlight now that he’s at Florida. The Gators can’t afford to regress on defense next year. At least, Napier said that the new hire should be in town before the start of spring camp.
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