Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney and tight ends coach William Peagler are expected to join the Arizona Cardinals, sources close to the situation tell Gator Country.
Toney spent one season with Florida, leading a defense that ranked 97th in total defense in the FBS. The Gators’ defense significantly improved in the turnover department under Toney, forcing 24 turnovers in 2022, which ranks T-14th in FBS, according to NCAA.com.
Peagler led a tight end unit at Florida that totaled 30 receptions, 321 yards, and three touchdowns in his sole season with the Gators. Florida did not sign a tight end in the 2023 high school recruiting class and is not expected to sign one out of the transfer portal. The Gators will finally get the services of four-star TE Tony Livingston, who made it to campus spring of 2023.
Gator Country can confirm that recently hired Alabama linebackers coach Austin Armstrong is expected to be hired as defensive coordinator at Florida. Armstrong served as the defensive coordinator for Southern Miss last year and worked with Billy Napier at Louisiana in 2020.
Gator Country will continue to monitor this situation.