The 2024 Florida Gators football season has come to a close, with a final record of 8-5, highlighted by a victory in the Gasparilla Bowl. Now, as the year wraps up, it’s time to hand out grades for the Gators’ assistant coaches.
These grades are based on the official assistants listed on Florida’s website and do not include figures like strength coach Tyler Miles or analysts such as Dan Enos. Additionally, behind-the-scenes factors beyond our control are not considered, meaning these grades mainly reflect how well the units performed as a whole under each coach’s leadership throughout the season.
When it comes to Descoster, it’s hard to definitively evaluate his coaching effectiveness, as he works under Rob Sale. The C- grade largely reflects the fact that Florida employs two offensive line coaches, but the offensive line itself remained average, failing to secure top-tier talent through recruiting. That being said, the line did improve towards the season’s end, ranking among the top 20 in sack percentage and playing a crucial role in the team’s four-game winning streak. The Gators also faced challenges with their offensive line against teams like Miami, Texas A&M, and Texas. With top recruit Jayden Woods and Tyreak Sapp returning, this unit has the potential for a B+ grade in 2025.
Harris had one of the toughest jobs this season, dealing with injuries that devastated his unit. Yet, he managed to keep the group competitive. The standout performance came from Jason Marshall before his injury, and by season’s end, Trikweze Bridges showed improvement. Harris also landed recruits like Ben Hanks, Lagonza Hayward, and Hylton Stubbs. However, the inconsistent safety play early in the season prevented Harris from earning an A for 2024.
Gonzales’ grading is the most contentious, as his work with the wide receivers sparked both praise and criticism. He turned Elijhah Badger into a legitimate downfield threat and helped Chimere Dike bounce back after a down year at Wisconsin. Gonzales also recruited five-star receivers Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown. However, questions arise over why no other receiver besides Badger and Dike seemed ready to step up. Aidan Mizell and Tank Hawkins, the expected next stars, struggled to earn playing time in 2024. While Gonzales’ achievements warrant an A in some eyes, there are valid concerns that prevent it from being a unanimous decision.
Peterson’s defensive line coaching saw Florida emerge as one of the top units by season’s end, ranking among the top 20 in sack percentage and top 50 in rush defense. Caleb Banks’ emergence was a significant development, and Desmond Watson had a solid season under Chatman’s guidance. However, the Gators will face the challenge of replacing several key players along the defensive interior in 2025, and it remains to be seen if the end-of-season form can carry over.
Jabbar Juluke, despite the challenges of injuries decimating the running back room, was perhaps the assistant coach most universally supported by fans, especially if Napier had been dismissed mid-season. Juluke kept the running back group performing admirably, with multiple players stepping up throughout the year. Even with Montrell Johnson’s departure in 2025, this remains Florida’s deepest position group.
The defense’s story in 2024 was a tale of two halves. It started as a complete disaster, particularly in losses to Texas and early games like Mississippi State. However, by the end of the season, the defense had significantly improved, playing a pivotal role in the four-game winning streak. Prior to that streak, a failing grade for Ron Roberts might have been justifiable
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