Ron Roberts, the executive head coach of the Florida Gators, is not eligible to serve as the coordinator or linebackers coach due to…
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida head football coach Billy Napier announced the addition of Ron Roberts to the program on Tuesday, Roberts will serve as the Gators executive head coach, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
“We are excited to add one of the best football minds in all of college football to our staff in Ron Roberts,” Napier said. “Ron is a great teacher and leader, and he has consistently produced and developed quality defensive players and units. His familiarity with our process and veteran experience as a coordinator and head coach will be great for the staff. It’s my honor to welcome him and his wife, Didi, to Gator Nation.”
“I’m thrilled to rejoin coach Napier and his staff, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of Gator Nation.” Roberts said. “I’m excited and ready to get to work.”
A coaching veteran of more than 30 years, Roberts arrives from Auburn where he was the defensive coordinator last season. In his lone season, the Tigers’ defense saw improvements and were top in the country and SEC in multiple categories.
Roberts guided Auburn to top-50 in scoring defense, sacks, tackles-for-loss and total defense. The Tigers also ranked top-25 in third-down defense and first-downs allowed while ranking No. 1 in the SEC in red zone defense. In the conference, Auburn was second in third-down defense, third in pass defense and fourth in interceptions.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Roberts’ defense was graded the Tigers a top-25 team in pass coverage (17th), total defense (18th), rushing defense (19th) and tackling (24th).
Before his season at Auburn, Roberts spent three years (2020-22) at Baylor as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers’ coach. He helped the Bears capture the program’s third-ever Big 12 Title and first BCS/New Year’s Six bowl victory in the modern era.