Florida has completed the hiring process for a defensive line coach.
Gerald Chatman is set to take over as the defensive line coach for Florida, succeeding Sean Spencer. Chatman comes to the role after serving one season in a similar capacity at Tulane.
UPDATE: Florida has officially completed the hiring process of Tulane defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, securing his position in the same role on head coach Billy Napier’s assistant staff, as announced by UF on Friday morning.
In a statement, Napier expressed excitement about Chatman, along with his family, joining the Gators family. He highlighted Chatman’s proven track record as an effective teacher, motivator, mentor, and recruiter throughout his career. Napier emphasized the benefits of Chatman’s experience in the SEC, NFL, and other football levels, anticipating a successful collaboration as Chatman embarks on his journey with UF.
Chatman’s appointment represents Florida’s second step in assembling its defensive coaching staff for the upcoming 2024 offseason, with one more position yet to be filled. The Gators had earlier secured Will Harris as the team’s defensive backs coach on Dec. 11. Following Jay Bateman’s move to Texas A&M on Thursday, the team now faces the task of identifying a new inside linebackers coach.
Media reports, including from All Gators, had foreseen Chatman’s hiring on Wednesday. At that time, Florida was awaiting the signing day decision of highly sought-after defensive lineman LJ McCray, who ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to Florida.
The initial report on Chatman’s hiring, as covered by All Gators, is detailed below.
In the midst of the Early Signing Period, where the Gators added 20 players to their roster, witnessed two prospects change commitments, and learned of LJ McCray’s decision to delay signing, Florida is set to bring in Tulane assistant Gerald Chatman as the new defensive line coach, as per sources cited by All Gators.
While the contract between Florida and Chatman is pending formal signing, both parties have a mutual understanding that Chatman will accept the coaching position. The first report on this impending move came from 247Sports.
Chatman is slated to take over from former Gators co-defensive coordinator and line coach Sean Spencer, who was released on Nov. 27 along with secondary coach Corey Raymond. Raymond’s position was filled by Will Harris on Dec. 11.
After Tulane’s head coach Willie Fritz moved to Houston post-season, it was initially reported that Chatman would remain with the Green Wave under new head coach Jon Sumrall. This seemed logical given the success of Tulane’s defensive linemen Darius Hodges and Patrick Jenkins, who received First-Team All-American Conference recognition for their performance in 2023.
Despite the opportunity to continue his successful stint at Tulane, Chatman opted to join the coaching staff of a Southeastern Conference program, Florida, following previous roles in off-field and personnel capacities at LSU and Texas A&M.
Taking charge of Florida’s defensive line, Chatman inherits a unit that contributed to the team’s subpar defensive statistics in 2023, allowing 382.3 yards and 27.6 points per game, ranking 11th in the SEC. The Gators managed only 22 sacks throughout the season, placing them at 12th in the conference.
The defensive front faced departures, including starting edge rusher Princely Umanmielen transferring to Ole Miss, rotational contributor Chris McClellan choosing an undecided transfer, and reserves Keenan Landry and Will Norman entering the transfer portal. However, Chatman and edge rushers coach Mike Peterson bolstered the unit by securing transfers Brien Taylor Jr. and Joey Slackman, as well as high school recruit Michai Boireau during the 2024 Early Signing Period.
The final decision from LJ McCray, a top-rated defensive pledge, is still awaited, as he postponed signing his National Letter of Intent before Chatman’s hiring became public knowledge. Chatman’s comprehensive coaching history can be found below, excluding roles held during single offseasons or preseasons, such as his involvement with the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship program.
