For the first time in several years, the Gators’ offense will finally provide some clarity as to who is responsible for play calling. Following Florida’s decision to part ways with head coach Billy Napier, quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara will take over play-calling duties on offense while co-offensive coordinator Russ Callaway will emerge as the team’s primary offensive coordinator.
Interim head coach Billy Gonzales announced the decision during his opening press conference. He mentioned utilizing insight from each of Florida’s offensive coaches but bestowing the primary role upon O’Hara.
“I think it's going to be helpful for us,” Gonzales said Monday. “We're going to do a collaborative effort as far as how we game plan. It's something I've been used to over the years.”
O’Hara has been an influential part in sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway’s progression since the five-star product joined the program two seasons ago. O’Hara was one of the original staff members from Napier’s previous tenure in Louisiana and followed Napier to Florida in 2022 as an offensive analyst.
Under O’Hara, Lagway won Freshman All-American honors from PFF and ESPN during his first year. He tallied 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions during his freshman season.
“I think the most important piece to that is there's a rhythm piece between him and DJ,” Gonzales said. “I think it's really important that the quarterback is an extension of his teacher. In this particular setting, for the next five games, I think that's going to be critical.”
Although an exact reason wasn’t revealed why Napier was fired, Florida’s offensive struggles is one of the primary causes why the Gators haven’t built upon their successful campaign in 2024. Florida ranks No. 13 in passing offense in the Southeastern Conference and has averaged just 22.4 points per game — second-to-last in the conference.
Lagway has not been nearly as effective as he was during his freshman year as he’s dealt with multiple separate ailments that began in the fall of 2024.
He missed time during last season with a hamstring injury suffered against Georgia Nov. 2. Then, he failed to throw during spring practices due to a shoulder issue and surgery for a sports hernia injury.
Later in July, Lagway strained his left calf, forcing him into a boot. He did not miss any regular season action, but he wore a sleeve on his left leg for UF’s first two games against Long Island and South Florida.
However, there is hope for an offensive turnaround in what looks to be a more comfortable environment planned around Lagway’s strengths.
“He knows what I don't like. He knows what I excel at. He knows what I need to work on. It's going to be great, like coach Billy G said. Having that player-to-coach communication it’s going to be huge, and I’m excited for it.
Led by Gonzales, the Gators (3-4, 2-2 SEC) will enter a bye week before heading to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville to face the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1 SEC) Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m.
Contact Luke Adragna at ladragna@alligator.org. Follow him on X @lukeadrag.
Luke is The Alligator's Sports Editor and is a senior sports journalism student. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his cat named Pete and going down a rabbit hole of niche professional athletes (shoutout Charles Sims).
