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Florida Gators Hire Jonathan Saxon as Defensive Coordinator
The former Wofford co-defensive coordinator will join the Gators' staff to help rebuild the defensive line.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:48pm
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The University of Florida football program is set to hire Jonathan Saxon as an assistant coach to work with the defensive line. Saxon previously served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Wofford, where he helped guide one of the best run defenses in the FCS. Prior to that, he spent eight seasons at South Carolina State, rising through the defensive ranks and helping the program capture multiple conference titles.
Why it matters
Florida is looking to rebuild a physically dominant front line that can compete in the SEC under new head coach Jon Sumrall. Saxon's experience developing strong defensive units at the FCS level makes him an attractive hire to help the Gators regain respectability in the conference.
The details
As co-defensive coordinator at Wofford, Saxon was responsible for shaping one of the best run defenses in the FCS. The Terriers finished first in their conference during the 2025 season. Prior to that, Saxon spent eight seasons at South Carolina State, where he served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, helping the program capture three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and make multiple playoff appearances.
- On March 12, 2026, reports surfaced that Florida was set to hire Jonathan Saxon as an assistant coach.
- Saxon previously served as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Wofford.
The players
Jon Sumrall
The head coach of the University of Florida football program, who is looking to rebuild the team's defensive line.
Jonathan Saxon
The former co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Wofford, who is set to join the Florida coaching staff.
Gerald Chatman
The defensive line coach at the University of Florida, who will work with Jonathan Saxon to develop the team's front line.
What they’re saying
“Florida is continuing to build out its coaching staff under Jon Sumrall as they bring on former Wofford co-defensive coordinator Jonathan Saxon.”
— Michael Long, Author (yahoo.com)
What’s next
The Gators will look to Jonathan Saxon to help develop a physically dominant defensive line that can compete in the SEC under the new coaching staff led by Jon Sumrall.
The takeaway
The hiring of Jonathan Saxon, a former FCS defensive coordinator with a track record of building strong run defenses, signals Florida's commitment to rebuilding its defensive front and regaining its competitive edge in the SEC under new head coach Jon Sumrall.
