Billy Napier reportedly zeroes in on new strength and conditioning coach
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Billy Napier is reportedly close to making a new hire to his coaching staff with the Florida Gators.
Per reports, the coach is zeroing in on hiring Craig Fitzgerald from the New York Giants to lead Florida’s strength and conditioning department. Fitzgerald is currently the Giants’ director of strength and performance.
BREAKING: Florida is expected to hire NY Giants director of strength and performance Craig Fitzgerald to lead its S&C department, according to sources.
Fitzgerald is extremely experienced, including a historic stint with Steve Spurrier.
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Florida’s former director of football strength and conditioning Mark Hocke was recently reassigned to focus on a “transition into the coaching element,” according to head coach Billy Napier, via 247Sports.
Fitzgerald has more than 25 years of coaching experience. The coach notably worked with head coach Steve Spurrier for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2009-11.
“I feel very good about turning our strength and conditioning program over to Craig,” Spurrier said of Fitzgerald upon hiring him in 2009, per 247Sports. “I was really impressed with him and how he motivates the players.”
The coach has also worked for the Penn State Nittany Lions, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Volunteers. Fitzgerald began with the Giants’ organization in 2020.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
