Florida Gators Bolster Offensive Line Staff with NFL Veterans
The Florida Gators have reportedly strengthened their coaching staff by bringing in two seasoned NFL figures as analysts: longtime NFL assistant coach Roy Istvan and former offensive lineman James Carpenter.
According to FootballScoop’s John Brice, Istvan and Carpenter will support Florida’s offensive line unit under coaches Rob Sale and Jon Decoster. Istvan, who boasts nearly three decades of coaching experience, most recently served on the Cleveland Browns’ staff after a four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2019 to 2023. He gained some notoriety during his time in Cleveland when a clip of him coaching Jameis Winston during a film session appeared on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
.@Browns assistant OL coach Roy Istvan will have you ready to run through a brick wall 🗣️#HardKnocks In Season with the AFC North available now on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/dnYlYzK1EP
— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2024
Carpenter, a former first-round NFL Draft pick and Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, brings 11 years of playing experience to the Gators. He also spent time with the Jets, Falcons, Ravens, and Saints. Before his professional career, he was a standout offensive lineman at Alabama, earning All-SEC honors in both 2009 and 2010—just before Billy Napier joined the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff.
These additions are part of a broader wave of offseason changes under Napier. Florida recently elevated analyst Ryan O’Hara to quarterbacks coach and brought in Steve Spurrier Jr. and former tight ends coach William Peagler as analysts. On defense, former Gator David Reese II and Dae’One Wilkins have taken on quality control roles, while Arizona’s former special teams analyst Cason Bicknell has also joined the staff.
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