Napier completes Gators staff with Spencer hire
GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Billy Napier completed his staff with the hire of Sean Spencer to serve as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
Spencer spent the past two seasons coaching defensive line for the New York Giants following a six-year stint on James Franklin’s staff at Penn State.
Known for high energy and a big personality, Spencer is the 10th assistant coach hired by Napier and will join Patrick Toney overseeing the Gators’ defense.
Florida’s defensive struggles the past two seasons under Todd
Grantham contributed to the demise of head coach Dan Mullen. The Gators allowed 26.8 points in 2021, 11th in the 14th-team SEC, after allowing 30.8 in 2020, the most by a Florida defense during the modern era (post-1960).
Spencer and Toney, who also will coach safeties, are joined on Napier’s staff by Jabbar Juluke (running backs), Darnell Stapleton (offensive line), Corey Raymond (cornerbacks, assistant head coach), Keary Colbert (wide receivers), Will Peagler (tight ends), Ron Sale (offensive line), Jay Bateman (inside linebackers) and Mike Peterson (outside linebackers).
Spencer, 51, has a long track of coaching strong pass rushers.
The 2020 Giants defensive front tallied 47, their most in six seasons.
Under Spencer, Penn State registered at least 40 sacks five straight seasons, leading the nation in 2015 with 50 and 47 in 2018.
Spencer spent three seasons (2011-13) at Vanderbilt under Franklin, who led the Commodores to unprecedented success. This included three bowl appearances and a 2013 win against Florida in the Swamp, Vanderbilt’s first victory in Gainesville since 1945.
Spencer was a three-year starter at safety at Clarion (Pa.)
University and spent much of his coaching career in the Northeast, other than a stint a Bowling Green (2009-10). He coached at Massachusetts (2001-03 and 2007-08), Hofstra (2006), Villanova (2005), Holy Cross (2004), Trinity College (1998-2000), Shippensburg (199697) and Wesleyan (1995).