Week ten was Billy Gonzales’ first game as Interim Head Coach at UF. With Napier out the door as Forida’s primary play caller, quarterback coach Ryan O’Hara stepped into the role while Russ Callaway remained the offensive coordinator.
Gator Nation immediately began to wonder what changes could be made offensively with Napier’s hand no longer in Florida’s game planning or play calling. While the offensive production wasn’t improved in Florida’s 24-20 loss to No.5 Georgia, the Gators’ staff did tweak several things in a two-week span.
Slightly less 12-Personnel
Florida fans are familiar with Napier’s love for two tight end sets. The Gators have always ranked towards the top of the SEC in 12-personnel usage under Napier. Entering week ten, UF used 12-personnel on 36.90% of their plays, the second highest percentage in the SEC behind Georgia. With O’Hara and Callaway in full control of the offense, the Gators ran slightly less 12 personnel vs. the Bulldogs at 28.8%, according to the SIS Database. It’s not a massive drop off and it’s only one game, but it’s a potential trend I’ll be interested to follow over Florida’s next four games.
Significantly less motion
This was the biggest difference in Florida’s offense. Entering week ten, Florida was utilizing motion on 68.8% of their snaps. The Gators cut their pre-snap movement by roughly 46% under Gonzales, using motion on just 37.2% of snaps. Florida used jet motion specifically just nine times vs. Georgia, the lowest number on the season. This allowed Florida to play with a faster pace at times throughout the game.
Lagway’s involvement in the run game
One of the more noticeable wrinkles regarding play calling. DJ Lagway had just three quarterback designed runs through the first seven games of the 2025 season: two vs. LSU and one vs. Miami. Against Georgia in week ten, Florida called Lagway’s number six times in the run game. The Gators also leaned on the read option nine times vs. the Bulldogs, with Lagway taking three for -1 yards. The Gators were averaging just one read option a game prior.
Less screens
Florida entered the game averaging 5.5 screens per game and called just three vs. Georgia, according to Pro Football Focus. This could have simply been due to Georgia’s ability to tackle in open space at a high level, but it’s something to watch going forward with a new play caller.
Got the calls in quicker, better communication
There are no analytics or numbers to back this one up, so it’s just a personal observation from the press box in Jacksonville. It appeared that Florida got the play calls in much quicker with Ryan O’Hara in the booth speaking directly to Lagway on the field. While the pace of play wasn’t drastically different, the communication appeared to be much smoother. Florida was set and ready to go with plenty of time on the play clock. The Gators didn’t take a delay of game vs. Georgia and didn’t have to call a timeout because they weren’t prepared. Less motion helped in this area too.