Report: Florida Gators part ways with Todd Grantham, one other assistant

The Florida Gators have let go defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, according to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman. The report also indicates offensive line coach John Hevesy will leave the program. The drastic mid-season changes come one day after Florida’s embarrassing 40-17 loss against South Carolina.

Grantham and Hevesy have both been members of head coach Dan Mullen’s 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 but lost 52-46 in the SEC championship and 55-20 in the Cotton Bowl. Since, 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.

Dan Mullen’s controversial recruiting statement

In Dan Mullen’s only press conference of the week, the Florida head coach got short with the media. He dodged a question regarding the Gators’ effort to recruit top talent consistently, and then made a comment that has been picked apart by colleagues and fans.

“We’re in the season now,” Mullen said, when asked about Florida’s recruiting process. “We’ll do recruiting after the season — when it gets to recruiting time we can talk about recruiting.”

According to Gators Territory beat writer Nick de la Torre, Mullen’s ill-advised comment led to another strange moment on Monday. Florida ended its weekly press conference shortly thereafter.

“Dan Mullen’s press conference ends abruptly, no players made available. I was in line to ask a question, not called on,” de la Torre tweeted. “Not sure what’s going on at UF.”

Florida cancels media sessions

The Florida Gators went radio-silent last week, a troubling sign for the program that was floundering after a stomping from Georgia. Florida will not have any media availability outside of Dan Mullen’s Monday press conference and his Wednesday SEC coaches’ teleconference call.

The media typically meets with several Gator players during the week but none will be made available ahead of Week 10. Also evading questioning is defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Grantham usually takes the podium for questions on Monday but he will not this week.