The Florida Gators have hired Gerald Chatman as their defensive line coach, the University confirmed Thursday evening.
Head Coach Billy Napier didn’t deny the circulating rumors that Florida made a defensive line hire during Wednesday’s early signing day press conference, even stating that he feels comfortable with where they landed.
“We’ll have that announcement as soon as we can. We’ll get it to you. We’ve been going through that process, and I feel comfortable with where we landed,” Napier said.
Chatman most recently served as Tulane’s defensive line coach in 2023, where he helped the Green Wave defense rank No.32 in total defense, 19th in scoring defense, 8th in rushing defense, and T-25th in team sacks.
“We are excited to welcome Gerald and Lauren, along with Kinley, Amelia, Maya and Tyson, to our Gators family,” Napier said. “He will do a great job with our defensive line. Gerald has proven to be an effective teacher, motivator, mentor and recruiter throughout his career. His experience in the SEC, NFL and other levels of football will be beneficial. We are excited to get to work alongside Gerald as he starts his journey at UF.”
Prior to his stint at Tulane, Chatman served as the defensive line coach for Colorado before being promoted to defensive coordinator along with defensive line coach by interim head coach Mike Sanford.
Chatman also brings SEC experience to the table, serving as a defensive analyst for LSU in 2021 and a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in 2015, where he primarily worked with the defensive line.
The Milwaukee, Wis. native has made several coaching stops in the National Football League including a two-year stint with the Cincinatti Bengals (2019-20) as a defensive assistant, where he primarily worked with defensive ends and outside linebackers. Chatman also served as an intern for the Green Bay Packers (2015) and the Super Bowl winning Denver Broncos in 2016 and again in 2018.
“My family and I are excited to join the University of Florida,” Chatman said. “I look forward to relentlessly working with coach Napier, the staff, and players to uphold the standard of the historic Gators football program. I embrace the challenge.”
Chatman received public support from one of his former players and current LSU defensive tackle Mehki Wingo, who wrote “One of the best coaches out there” in regard to Chatman emerging as a top target for the Gators.
Chatman takes the place of former Gators defensive line coach Sean Spencer, who Florida parted ways with on Nov.27th along with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.