Florida football set to hire defensive coordinator Jonathan Saxon

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Florida football is adding another piece to its defensive staff as the program continues to build out a coaching structure under head coach Jon Sumrall. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Gators are set to hire Jonathan Saxon as an assistant coach who will work with the defensive line.

A former co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Wofford, Saxon will be expected to assist defensive line coach Gerald Chatman in developing the Gators' front. While at Wofford, Saxon helped to guide a defense that dramatically improved during his time.

The Terriers finished first in the conference during the 2025 campaign and Saxon was responsible for shaping one of the best run defenses in FCS. Florida's staff hopes he can translate that success in Gainesville.

Prior to his time at Wofford, Saxon spent eight seasons at South Carolina State where he rose through the defensive ranks, eventually serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. During that stretch, he helped the program capture three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and see multiple playoff appearances. South Carolina State was regularly placed among the MEAC's top scoring and rush defenses during his tenure.

The move to bring on Saxon comes as Florida reshapes its staff during the first year of the Jon Sumrall era. The Gators want to rebuild a physically dominant front line that can compete in the SEC — that is the first step towards regaining respectability in the conference.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football hiring Jonathan Saxon to help lead defensive line

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