Billy Napier is giving one Florida assistant coach increased responsibilities.

According to reports, UF tight ends coach Russ Callaway is receiving a promotion with the title of co-offensive coordinator. Jacob Rudner of 247Sports was first to report the development.

Callaway has been on staff at Florida during Napier’s tenure. He started as a defensive intern in 2022 before filling the tight ends coaching vacancy last year.

Callaway notably spent five seasons at Samford as an offensive coach. In 2015, he was the Bulldogs’ wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator. In 2016, he became the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He maintained that position through the 2019 season.

After Samford, Callaway spent the 2020 season at LSU as a senior offensive assistant and analyst. He was on the New York Giants’ staff in 2021 as an offensive assistant.

Without an official announcement, it’s not immediately clear what will be asked of Callaway as co-OC. Napier serves as Florida’s play-caller, while Rob Sale, a long-time offensive line coach who was also on the Giants’ staff, holds the offensive coordinator title.

Callaway’s OC experience led to speculation he could become more involved in the offensive scheme. Earlier this month, Napier was asked about Callaway potentially factoring in to offensive staff adjustments.

“Well, I’ve worked closely with him for a year. I think ultimately, he’s a guy that obviously is going to acquire more responsibility,” Napier said in his National Signing Day press conference. “How we define that, you know, I think we’ll work our way through that.

“Ultimately, Russ is a heck of a young coach. And much like me, he’s worked on defense in the past as a young coach, he’s called plays at different levels, played quarterback, has the leadership components, has the respect of the players. So, Russ is a guy that we certainly are excited about. And you know, he definitely in the future will require more responsibility.”

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More staff changes at Florida

Callaway isn’t the only recent staff change. Napier has reportedly tabbed a new strength staffer, while a popular defensive graduate assistant is leaving for an on-field opportunity.

Jesse Ackerman is returning to Gainesville to join Florida’s strength staff. He will be the Associate Director of Player Performance, per On3’s Nick de La Torre.

Ackerman was previously on staff at Florida from 2012-to-2015, working under Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain. He received a strong endorsement from former Florida standout Alex Anzalone, now a starter with the Detroit Lions.

Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported this weekend that Florida defensive graduate assistant Kali James is leaving for an on-field opportunity at Jackson State. Napier mentioned in his NSD press conference that James had was this offseason to an “assistant defensive line coach.” James was also a popular staffer with UF recruits.

The Gators still have an on-field assistant coach opening. Darnell Stapleton, who coached offensive linemen along with Sale, was hired by the Washington Commanders on Feb. 15. Napier has announced a replacement for the open spot on his on-field staff.