Editor’s Note: A version of this story originally ran online on Dec. 26, 2013.
Florida announced Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Dec. 26 after firing Brent Pease on Dec. 1.
"This was the right situation for me and my family at the right time," Roper said on a media teleconference. "It’s obviously a great university that has a great tradition, and I look forward to trying to add to that."
Roper will make $600,000 per year, according to the Gainesville Sun.
"I’m excited to have Coach Roper join our staff," coach Will Muschamp said in a press release. "He has a diverse, up-tempo background on offense and does a good job of adapting to what the players do best."
Under Roper, Duke — a perennial cellar-dweller — finished 10-4 and clinched its second straight bowl berth for the first time in school history before falling to Texas A&M in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31. The Blue Devils finished the season ranked 69th in total offense.
The Gators hope Roper can at least get them back to that standard. Florida finished 2013 with a 4-8 record — its worst season since 1979. UF also missed out on a bowl bid for the first time since 1990. Under Pease, Florida’s offense finished 115th in the nation.
Roper previously coached in the Southeastern Conference as the Tennessee running backs coach from 2006 to 2007.
The Gators, who previously ran a run-based, pro-style offense, plan to switch to a spread offense under Roper. Roper said he was not familiar with Florida’s offense, which averaged a meager 18.8 points per game in 2013, but he looks to evaluate the personnel he will have available to him.
"I think the biggest thing is you got to find out the strengths of your quarterback and the strengths of your offensive line," Roper said. "Once you find those strengths, then you can start putting together what you’re going to start hanging your hat on offensively."
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Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper (middle) participates in the ceremony for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division 1A Assistant Football Coaches, on Dec. 10 in Little Rock, Ark. Florida announced Roper as its new offensive coordinator on Dec. 26.
