When Billy Napier took the job as head football coach of the Florida Gators, he made sure that he would have the proper budget to create his support-staff army. Napier’s emphasis on putting together an elite support-staff is paying off. The Gators have four coaches on On3’s list of 65 rising star support-staff coaches in college football. The Gators include Jamar Chaney, Russ Callaway, Benedick Hyppolite, and Ryan O’Hara.
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Jamar Chaney – Chaney is a defensive analyst that works with the linebackers and is the fan favorite of the group. Chaney played college ball at Mississippi State where he was later drafted in the 7th round by the Eagles. Chaney had a four-year stint in the NFL, playing for the Eagles, Falcons, Broncos, and Raiders. Chaney went on to become the head coach of his alma mater, St. Lucie West Centennial high school. Chaney led them to their first playoff appearance in seven seasons. In 2019 Chaney served as the assistant director of player personnel for the Gators. Chaney spent the next two seasons with Mississippi State before joining Napier and his staff. From my experience covering the Gators, I’ve learned that Chaney is loved by a ton of Gator players. Chaney seemingly always impresses recruits when they get on campus. Getting Chaney back in Gainesville was a homerun hire for Napier.
Russ Callaway – Callaway joined the Gators this off-season as an offensive analyst. Callaway served as a wide receivers coach for the Samford Bulldogs from 2015-2016 before being promoted to offensive coordinator and QB coach. He later took a job on LSU’s staff, serving as a senior offensive assistant and an analyst in 2020. Most recently, Callaway was working with the New York Giants as an offensive assistant. Callaway received promotions from Samford and LSU during his coaching career. Callaway is a young offensive mind that’s had stints in the NFL and college football, which makes him an intriguing support-staff hiring.
Benedick Hyppolite – Napier steals a staffer from the University of Miami in Benedick Hyppolite. Hyppolite joins the Gators as a quality control coach for the running backs. Before starting his college journey, Hyppolite spent seven years coaching high school football at three different schools in south Florida. Hyppolite broke into the college scene by becoming the offensive coordinator for Florida Memorial University. In 2020 he joined Maimi’s staff and served as a graduate assistant, later being promoted to wide receivers’ analyst in 2022. Hyppolite should bring strong south Florida connections with him to Gainesville, which should have a positive impact on recruiting.
Ryan O’Hara – O’Hara joins the Gators staff as an offensive analyst for the quarterbacks. O’Hara spent the last four seasons working with Napier in Louisiana. O’Hara played college football at the University of Arizona and the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was the starting QB for both teams. O’Hara is credited with helping Napier develop the Ragin Cajuns’ QB Levi Lewis, who was named MVP in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game, Napier’s last game as a Ragin Cajun. Lewis became the first 3,000-yard passer in school history and set the single season passing touchdown record with 26. O’Hara and Napier’s strong connection made this addition a no-brainer for Napier.
Florida’s four support-staff coaches on the list is tied for the most in the country.