Florida hires Austin Armstrong as their defensive coordinator following Patrick Toney’s departure to the NFL, the University announced Monday afternoon.
The 29-year-old served as Southern Miss’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, making Armstrong the youngest defensive coordinator in the country during that span.
In 2021, the Golden Eagles ranked 42nd nationally in total defense, improving their mark by 18 spots from the season before. Armstrong’s defense ranked in the top ten in the country in first downs allowed (No.2), fumbles recovered (No. 4), red zone defense (No.6), defensive touchdowns (No.7), and also ranked 15th in turnovers gained and 24th in passing yards allowed.
The Golden Eagles ranked 72nd nationally in run defense in 2021, allowing an average of 155 yards per game on the ground. However, Southern Miss posted a run defense grade of 79.3, which ranked 28th in the FBS, according to PFF.
Southern Miss surrendered 27.9 points per game, however, the Golden Eagles’ defense gave up 63 points directly off turnovers, including 34 points on short field after turnovers 14 points on two kick returns for scores.
In 2022, Southern Miss ranked 55th in total defense, allowing 367 yards per game, 10 more yards per contest than the previous season.
The Golden Eagles improved their run defense under Armstrong in 2022, allowing 139 yards per game on the ground, ranking 46th in the FBS. Their pass defense took a slight hit, allowing 228 yards per game, 26 more yards than the previous season.
CONNECTION WITH BILLY NAPIER
Armstrong spent the 2020 campaign as inside linebackers coach at Louisiana-Lafayette, where the Rajin’ Cajuns defense ranked inside the top five in passes intercepted (No.2), defensive passing efficiency (No.3), and passing yards allowed per game (No.4).
Louisiana ranked as the 31st total defense nationally in 2020.
Prior to his time with Billy Napier, Armstrong spent the 2019 season at Georgia where he worked as a defensive quality coach under Kriby Smart.
On February 13th, Armstrong was hired at Alabama to coach the inside linebackers for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Just nine days later, Armstrong would leave for the defensive coordinator position at the University of Florida.
Armstrong may not have the most impressive resume, but he is a rising star with experience under Kirby Smart and Florida’s current head coach, Billy Napier. It’s also important to note that Nick Saban wanted Austin Armstrong on his football staff, which is never a bad sign.
Gator Country will continue to monitor and provide inside information on Florida’s coaching staff changes.