Billy Napier anticipates changes in Florida's strength training staff
Billy Napier anticipated some changes in Florida’s strength training staff after reassigning former strength and conditioning coach Mark Hocke.
Hocke also served as the associate head coach in 2023, something he’ll continue to do next fall. But as far as the next strength and conditioning coach, Napier said the team is still in an evaluation period.
Well, this will be a critical evaluation ahead of Year 3 under Napier in Gainesville.
“We’ve been in an evaluation mode,” Napier said. “I do anticipate some different leadership there, different approach there. You guys all know Mark. 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.”
As with anything else, Florida and Napier are in a process to find the next man to fill Hocke’s role.
“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.”
Prior to Florida, Hocke spent all four seasons (2018-21) at Louisiana with Napier, which included four straight Sun Belt West Division titles, a share of the Sun Belt title in 2020 and 2021 Sun Belt Conference Champions. Prior to Louisiana, Hocke spent the 2017 season at Texas A&M.
So with change comes responsibility. Hocke held a big role under Napier. But as he transitions to more of a coach rather than splitting his time, perhaps the strength training program will undergo significant changes for 2024.
After a 5-2 start, Napier and the Gators lost five in a row to finish the season which was disappointing to say the least. With no postseason this fall, Napier has to push the right buttons going into next season.