Florida Gators’ wide receivers coach Keary Colbert is expected to join the Denver Broncos for the same position, Gator Country has learned.
Colbert marks the third assistant coach to depart from the Gators in the last 48 hours; Patrick Toney, William Peagler, and Keary Colbert all lasting just one year with Florida.
HISTORY
The California native had an eight-year professional football career after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL draft. Colbert played seven years in the NFL across five teams, totaling 130 receptions, 1,629 yards, and eight touchdowns in the NFL.
Colbert started his coaching career in 2010, where he joined USC as a graduate assistant, working with tight ends.
Colbert teamed up with Nick Saban and Alabama in 2014 and 2015, joining the Crimson Tide as an offensive analyst.
The following year, Colbert would re-join the Trojans, spending the next two seasons as USC’s offensive quality control assistant, working with wide receivers the first year and tight ends the next.
In 2018, Colbert was named to the fulltime staff in January.
Colbert’s track list is very impressive for a short coaching career, including Albert Wilson (Georgia State), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman, and Drake London.
COLBERT’S TIME AT FLORIDA
Although Colbert’s stint was short, it was impressive. Caleb Douglas quickly developed into a playmaker during his freshman season. Douglas caught 10 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, with a long of 62 yards. Douglas didn’t start playing receiver until late in his high school career, so the fact that the Gators’ coaching staff was able to get Douglas to contribute early on in his collegiate career is noteworthy. The 6-3, 191 pounder was the only WR commit in the Gators’ 2022 class.
Ricky Pearsall landed career highs in yards (661) and touchdowns (5) in his lone season with Colbert and the Gators.
Justin Shorter set a career high in yards (577) and yards per catch (19.9) under Colbert.
Colbert heavily contributed to a loaded 2023 receiving class for the Gators. Aidan Mizell, Andy Jean, and Eugene Wilson serve as one of the fastest high school trios in the country.
No names for Colbert’s replacement have surfaced just yet, but I expected Napier to act quickly with spring football right around the corner.