Former Gators DL Carlos Dunlap praises Florida’s DL coach hire

Former Florida defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap says the Gators made a great decision by hiring Greg Chatman as the new defensive line coach.

Florida officially announced the hiring of Gerald Chatman as the team’s new defensive line coach on Saturday, and a former Gator has spoken up in support of the move.

Former Gators defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Carlos Dunlap played under Chatman in 2019-20 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Dunlap spoke to UAA senior writer Scott Carter about the hire.

“Gator Nation, we got another one,” Dunlap said. “Coach ‘G’ Chatman is definitely one of the most influential coaches, I’d say, (that) impacted my career as an NFL player when he was an assistant coach.

“But as the defensive line coach at Florida now, I’m even more excited for him. If I was a young player hungry to learn, compete in SEC against the best of the best with a coach I know is committed to helping me be the best player and the best man, I’m headed back to the Swamp again.”

Chatman helped Dunlap stay productive in the NFL as a 10-year veteran, and now he’ll be working with some incredibly fresh talent.

Getting rid of Sean Spencer was a shocking move that led to several losses on the recruiting trail, but Florida seems to have found a capable replacement.

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Florida announces hiring of DL coach Gerald Chatman

After a few weeks of searching, the Florida Gators have landed on Tulane’s Gerald Chatman as the new defensive line coach

Former Tulane defensive line coach [autotag]Greg Chatman[/autotag] is headed to Gainesville to serve in the same role under Billy Napier and Austin Armstrong at the University of Florida.

Chatman led the Green Wave’s defensive line to an elite 2023 season. Tulane finished the year ranked eighth in the country in rush defense (93.5 yards per game), fourth in turnovers gained (25) and tied for 22nd in sacks (34).

“My family and I are excited to join the University of Florida,” Chatman said in a press release. “I look forward to relentlessly working with coach Napier, the staff, and players to uphold the standard of the historic Gators football program. I embrace the challenge.”

Florida’s front seven looked strong through the first five games of the 2023 campaign, but the wheels started to fall off as injuries mounted and the season continued.

That’s why Sean Spencer was fired and Chatman was hired. The Gators can’t afford another poor defensive year, and Chatman has done wonders recently with less talent.

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