Florida football is adding another piece to its defensive staff as the program continues to build out a coaching structure under coach Jon Sumrall. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Gators are set to hire Jonathan Saxon as an assistant coach who will work with the defensive line.
A former co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Wofford, Saxon will be expected to assist defensive line coach Gerald Chatman in developing the Gators’ front. While at Wofford, Saxon helped to guide a defense that dramatically improved during his time.
The Terriers finished first in the conference during the 2025 campaign and Saxon was responsible for shaping one of the best run defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision. Florida’s staff hopes he can transfer that success to Gainesville.
Prior to his time at Wofford, Saxon spent eight seasons at South Carolina State where he rose through the defensive ranks, eventually serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. During that stretch, he helped the program capture three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and earn multiple playoff appearances. South Carolina State regularly finished among the MEAC’s top scoring and rush defenses during his tenure.
The move to bring on Saxon comes as Florida reshapes its staff during the first year of the Sumrall era. The Gators want to rebuild a physically dominant front line that can compete in the SEC. That is the first step toward regaining respectability in the conference.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football set to hire defensive coordinator Jonathan Saxon
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
