Florida Gators Unveil New Offense Under Coordinator Buster Faulkner

Head coach Jon Sumrall discusses the versatile approach of the team's new offensive coordinator.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:35pm

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The Florida Gators are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 4-win season in 2025. New head coach Jon Sumrall has brought in offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who is known for his ability to adapt his offensive system to the strengths of his personnel. Sumrall discussed Faulkner's background in the Air Raid offense as well as his experience working with more pro-style and quarterback-run systems, indicating the Gators will likely feature a flexible, personnel-driven approach on offense this season.

Why it matters

After a down year, the Gators are hoping Faulkner's adaptable offensive approach can help maximize the talent on their roster and lead to a turnaround season. Faulkner's diverse coaching experience suggests the Gators' offense could look quite different from recent years, which could make them a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent in the SEC.

The details

New Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has a background in the Air Raid offense from his playing days at Valdosta State and early coaching career. However, he has also worked with more pro-style and quarterback-run systems, most recently as the OC at Georgia Tech. Gators head coach Jon Sumrall believes Faulkner's versatility and willingness to tailor the offense to his personnel will be key, as the Gators look to build an attack around their top playmakers at running back and receiver.

  • Faulkner was hired as Florida's offensive coordinator in January 2026 after the Gators parted ways with former coach Billy Napier.
  • The Gators are currently in spring practice, where Sumrall and Faulkner are working to determine the best offensive approach for the 2026 season.

The players

Jon Sumrall

The new head coach of the Florida Gators, hired in December 2025 after the team's disappointing 4-win season.

Buster Faulkner

The Gators' new offensive coordinator, known for his versatile coaching background and ability to adapt his offensive system to his personnel.

Haynes King

The quarterback Faulkner coached at Georgia Tech, leading the Yellow Jackets to success in a quarterback-run heavy offense.

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What they’re saying

“I think great coaches, great coordinators, they don't square peg, round hole it. They don't go, 'Hey, you have to fit my system even if you don't really have the strengths or skillsets to fit my system.' So you have to really lean into the strengths and maybe shy away from the weaknesses, or offset the weaknesses of your quarterback position and your offensive line on offense to me. Those are the two areas where you have to build what you do around them.”

— Jon Sumrall, Head Coach, Florida Gators

“The personnel groupings you play the game in are dictated by who are your best players. There might be certain years we're more wide receiver drive based upon the depth of that room. Some years I've been more tight end driven based upon the depth of that room.”

— Jon Sumrall, Head Coach, Florida Gators

What’s next

The Gators will continue their spring practice schedule, with Sumrall and Faulkner working to finalize their offensive approach and personnel groupings ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

By bringing in the versatile Buster Faulkner to coordinate their offense, the Florida Gators are signaling a flexible, player-centric approach as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Faulkner's diverse background suggests the Gators' offense could look quite different from recent years, potentially making them a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent in the SEC.