Florida announces football staff changes, confirms firings of Todd Grantham, John Hevesy

The Florida Gators confirmed reports from Sunday night that they are making staff changes heading into Week 11. The Gators are parting ways with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and run-game coordinator/offensive line coach John Hevesy.

The staff changes require Dan Mullen to move some coaches around. The program shared that linebackers coach Christian Robinson will take over defensive play-calling duties. Also, Paul Pasqualoni, special assistant to the head coach, will take an on-field role for the remainder of the 2021 season.
 
Additionally, Michael Sollenne, who has been with the team since 2020 as a graduate assistant on the offense, will work with the OL for the rest of the year.
 
Robinson is in his fourth season with the Gators. Pasqualoni was a head coach at Syracuse and the University of Connecticut, in addition, he coached at several stops in the NFL.

Mullen takes drastic steps at Florida

The drastic mid-season staff changes come one day after Florida’s embarrassing 40-17 loss against South Carolina.

Grantham and Hevesy have both been members of various Dan Mullen staffs over several years. Hevesy started with Mullen in 2001 at Bowling Green, joining him at Utah, Florida, Mississippi State and Florida again over 20 years.

Todd Grantham and Florida’s defense have been the focus of criticism since 2020, when cornerback Marco Wilson cost the Gators a chance at the College Football Playoffs by tossing an opponent’s shoe. The Gators defense ranks No. 43 of 130 in the FBS, allowing 353.6 yards per game and 28 touchdowns.

Florida won its first SEC East title since 2016 in 2020. However, they lost 52-46 in the SEC championship and 55-20 in the Cotton Bowl.

Since losing to Kentucky in upset fashion, Florida has dealt with issues on the recruiting trail. With six decommitments, including five from the 2022 class, the Gators have dropped to No. 20 in On3’s consensus team rankings.

Saturday’s loss brought Florida’s losing streak to three. Disappointing losses to Kentucky, LSU and South Carolina bring the Gators to 4-5, and 2-5 in the SEC. Florida now needs two wins over the final three games to become bowl eligible.

The Gators don’t need to worry about drama in Week 11, hosting a 4-5 Samford Bulldog team on Saturday. However, they’ll need a strong close to the season versus Missouri and Florida State to quell the calls for Dan Mullen’s pink slip.