Florida is targeting Alabama assistant as next defensive coordinator, per report

Florida is pursuing Alabama assistant Austin Armstrong as its next co-defensive coordinator, per a report.

That’s according to ESPN’s Chris Low. Armstrong would replace Patrick Toney, who is expected to join the Arizona Cardinals’ coaching staff in the coming days.

Patrick Toney, @GatorsFB's co-DC and play-caller last season, is in negotiations to join the NFL's Arizona Cardinals as a defensive assistant, sources tell ESPN, and Florida's Billy Napier is targeting newly hired @AlabamaFTBL assistant Austin Armstrong as Toney's replacement.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) February 22, 2023

Toney spent just 1 year in Gainesville as the Gators’ co-defensive coordinator and primary play-caller. He followed head coach Billy Napier from Louisiana. Florida’s other co-defensive coordinator is Sean Spencer.

Armstrong was hired as Alabama’s inside linebackers coach back in January, so he hasn’t been in Tuscaloosa very long. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Southern Miss for the past 2 seasons.

While at Southern Miss, Armstrong was the youngest defensive coordinator in FBS. Southern Miss ranked 55th nationally in yards per play allowed in 2022, it’s best mark since 2018.

Florida will be hoping to take a big step forward defensively in 2023. Last season, the Gators ranked 12th in yards per play (5.92) allowed.