Florida enlists son of legendary coach to help QB DJ Lagway

Jeff Hauser

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Florida enlists son of legendary coach to help QB DJ Lagway image

The Florida Gators found a familiar name to help spark their struggling offense.

Interim head coach Billy Gonzales said Wednesday that offensive analyst Steve Spurrier Jr. Will take on an expanded role working with sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway when Florida faces No. 5 Georgia in Jacksonville on Nov. 1.

Gonzales, who was elevated after Billy Napier was fired Sunday, is reorganizing the staff to inject new life into an attack that ranks 15th in the SEC in scoring at 22.4 per game.

Offensive coordinator Russ Callaway and quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara will handle play-calling duties from the booth, while Spurrier will work with Lagway on the sideline for better in-game management.

“What we’re trying to do is tweak a couple of things so we can put our players in a better situation to perform at a higher level,” Gonzales said. “He’s going to be down there looking DJ in the eyes, reviewing film, helping him stay composed.”

The Gators’ offense sputtered under Napier. Outside of non-conference play, where they had a 55-0 blowout over Long Island to start the season, Florida has scored 79 points in four SEC games.

Spurrier brings decades of experience following in father's footsteps. This includes stints at Tulsa, Mississippi State, Washington State, and South Carolina, where he spent 10 years coaching under dad.

Lagway has shown flashes of potential but remains inconsistent, throwing nine touchdowns with nine interceptions and has been sacked 14 times this season. As speculation swirls about his future, the Gators hope Spurrier’s guidance can steady their quarterback and save any hopes of making the postseason. 

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Staff Writer