Summers leaving Gators

The Florida Gators’ much-maligned offensive line will have a new coach in 2017.

Mike Summers is leaving UF to join the staff at Louisville and reunite with Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrine, Louisville announced Saturday.

The 60-year-old Summers was the lone holdover from former coach Will Muschamp's 2014 and coached the Gators' O-line the past two seasons for Jim McElwain.

The Gators' offense generally struggled the past two seasons. It ended 2016 ranked 116th nationally of 128 teams and 2015 ranked No. 112.

The offensive line was a major culprit, especially two seasons ago when UF led the nation with 45 sacks allowed. The unit improved last season, yielding 28 sacks, but UF failed to consistently generate the push up front to sustain a running game. The Gators averaged just 128.2 yards, 113th in the nation and last in the 14-team SEC.

Following a 30-3 win in the Outback Bowl, McElwain called out his line, demanding it “become a lot more physical" by next season.

Experience should help. The Gators will return six players who started games in 2016, but their most-experience player — left tackle David Sharpe — left a year early for the NFL draft.

Summers had one year remaining on a contract paying him $498,500 annually.

A 37-year coaching veteran, Summers served under Petrino at Louisville from 2003-06 and a season later under Petrino for the Atlanta Falcons.