Report: Billy Napier, Florida hire former UNC coordinator

Jay Bateman didn’t have to wait long to find his new program. Ten days after he was fired from his defensive coordinator post at North Carolina, Bateman is reportedly joining Billy Napier’s staff at Florida. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the move on Monday afternoon.

After a disappointing 6-7 season, North Carolina cut ties with Bateman. Now, he’s going to be the linebackers coach for the rebounding Gators.

Bateman coached safeties for head coach Mack Brown in Chapel Hill since December 2018. UNC’s defense allowed 31.6 points per game and ranked 94th nationally in total defense this season. They gave up more than 35 points in six games.

Bateman’s second year, 2019, was the Tar Heels’ best under his expertise. They notched 36 sacks, which was their highest number since 2000 and tied for fifth in the nation. They ranked in the top 35 in many of the most important defensive categories, including scoring and total defense. Further, he helped convert quarterback Chazz Surratt into an All-American linebacker, and Surratt was ultimately drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Prior to the UNC stint, he was the defensive coordinator at Army from 2014-2018. The Black Knights ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense twice under his guidance. As a result of the turnaround he engineered, in 2016, Bateman earned a nomination for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s best assistant coach.

Bateman has also coached at Ball State and a collection of FCS and Division II schools, including a head coaching job at D-II Siena College from 2000-2003. He is a native of Richmond, Va.

Florida EDGE announces return for 2022 season

Florida EDGE Brenton Cox took to Twitter on Sunday to share some welcome news for Gators fans. The defensive end announced that he is returning to Gainesville for the 2022 season.

“My decision to join a program that was the best fit for me has led me to a place that feels like family,” Cox said on Twitter. “I’m thankful for the endless support throughout my journey.”

Cox, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, started in all 12 games of the 2021 season, the second consecutive year in which he served as a key component of Florida’s defense.