FLORIDA
Todd Grantham is officially staying on staff in Gainesville after the Cincinnati Bengals made a run at the team’s defensive coordinator and he now has a new contract to reward him for his loyalty.
If you missed the news, Grantham flirted with making a return to the NFL to join the new Bengals coaching staff but decided he wasn’t ready to leave college football and all the momentum of Dan Mullen’s Florida program. News of Grantham staying at Florida was first reported by Harrison Tenzer.
Florida has turned around and rewarded Grantham for his loyalty by giving the coordinator an extension through 2022 and a raise to $1.8 million annually, according to Bruce Feldman of the Athletic and Scott Carter of FloridaGators.com. That figure would have ranked in the top 4 nationally in assistant coach salary for the 2018 season and puts Grantham in the top 5 nationally for all defensive coordinators in 2019.
Grantham has been with Mullen dating back to the 2017 season when they both coached at Mississippi State. Florida’s defense ranked No. 6 in the SEC in scoring defense and No. 5 in sacks in the league in the first season under Grantham.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but this isn’t new, is it? I think he signed this back in January.
yah dude you’ve been under a rock
Yeah this article is quite misleading, making it seem like he signed the extension as a result of the Bengals pursuing him. He signed the extension right after the peach bowl long before the Bengals came calling. Stricklin made a pre-emptive strike knowing teams would come after him. Looks like he was right in doing so.
I’m glad Grantham stayed for many reasons. First, it’s time to get to work for Spring Ball with the returning players, the early enrollees and setting the groundwork for the other new recruits for the Fall. This is huge – not losing him and having to start over with a new DC and the effect that could have had on some recruits who committed in part because of Grantham. Second, I love the fire and aggressiveness that Todd brings to our defense. Last year, I think we had 6 or 7 defensive backs injured throughout the season which impacted the ability to defend the pass. Despite that, our run D did a good job. Lastly, with Dan Mullen and the position coaches, the quality of the players we just got, and will continue to get, will improve. These coaches actually develop talent which is also huge. I think these factors combined will make a significant, positive difference for UF. We all have our opinions and reasons, but I think our rivals have a little more to be concerned about come game time next season.
Not to argue but our run d was atrocious. Our passing d was what was good. Given I do love grantham
Perhaps I was just focusing on the DB injuries last year and forgetting about the run defense issues. I’m hoping there’s significant improvement to both – but I do think the issues with the DBs last year (6+ injuries) impacted the rest of the defense. Fingers crossed.
Keep in mind this is a defense that was recruited for a 4-3 for years. You’re going to have the same struggles implementing a completely new defense with players that don’t fit that system just like you would going from a pro style to a spread on offense. Add all the injuries on top of it, to a unit that we knew going into the season couldn’t afford to lose anyone, and it’s surprising the defense was able to do as good as they did. It’s going to be fun watching Grantham shut all these loser obsessed Dawg fans up.
glad he stayed bc 3rd and Grantham is good for UGA and the rest of the east
How about 4th and Kirby?
That 4th & Kirby has been a classic.