Napier hires Jay Bateman to coach Gators’ inside LBs
GAINESVILLE — UF coach Billy Napier took one step closer to filling out his staff, hiring Jay Bateman to coach inside linebackers.
The school announced Bateman joins the Gators after three seasons as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at North Carolina. Bateman and the school parted ways after the 2021 Tar Heels yielded an average of 418 yards and 32.1 points, totals ranking near the bottom of the ACC.
Upon his 2019 arrival, Bateman helped UNC become one of the nation’s most improved defenses, allowing 74 fewer yards and nearly 10 fewer point per game than the previous season.
Bateman is the ninth of 10 assistant coaches officially hired by Napier.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported former New York Giants assistant Sean Spencer will complete the Gators’ coaching staff and be hired as co-defensive coordinator with Patrick Toney and defensive line coach.
In addition to Bateman, Napier brought Toney (co-defensive coordinator, safeties) and Jabbar Juluke (running backs) from Louisiana and hired Corey Raymond (cornerbacks, assistant head coach), Keary Colbert (wide receivers), Will Peagler (tight ends), Ron Sale (offensive line) and Mike Peterson (outside linebackers).
Prior to his time at UNC, Bateman spent five seasons (2014-18) as Army’s defensive coordinator.
Army won 29 games
during that span. Bateman was among five finalists in 2018 for the Broyles Award, given the nation’s top assistant coach. He was a semifinalist in 2016.
Army’s 2018 defense finished eighth nationally in total defense (295.5 ypg) and 10th in scoring defense (17.7 ppg). The 2016 Black Knights ranked fourth nationally in total defense (291.5 ypg) and 15th in scoring defense (19.8 ppg).
Bateman, a 48-yearold
native of Richmond, Virginia, also made stops at Ball State (2011-13), Elon (2006-10), Lehigh (2005), Richmond (2004) and Siena (2000-03).
Bateman began his coaching career in 1997 with a two-years at Hampden-Sydney, a Division III program in Virginia.