[Updated, 12:30 p.m., 12-11] New Florida football coach Dan Mullen continues to fill out his staff with coaches that have worked under him before.
The two latest to join the staff are Houston offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, who was Mullen’s quarterbacks coach at Mississippi State for three seasons before leaving to accept the job with the Cougars a year ago, and MSU strength coach Nick Savage.
Johnson, 30, helped develop standout MSU quarterback Dak Prescott, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys.
Johnson and Savage are the fourth and fifth assistant coaches Mullen has added to his staff that worked under him at MSU, joining defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and co-offensive coordinators Billy Gonzales and John Hevesy.
Before joining Mullen’s staff at MSU, Johnson became the youngest FBS offensive coordinator in the nation at age 24 at Utah. He is expected to work with the UF quarterbacks, but his title has yet to be determined.
The hiring of Savage,28, became official Monday with an announcement from UF. He was named the director of football strength and conditioning.
Savage was MSU’s strength and conditioning coach the past two seasons. He’s worked with 30 players who have been selected in the NFL draft since 2013.
I thought he was just going to move the MSU staff to UF. Wrong.
Guess he is, if you look at it as they weren’t all directly under him at the same time.
One thing for certain…they have got to be better than what we had.
You just said a mouthful, Cody. Glad to be finally emerging from that era (defined as last two coaching staffs = one era).
I can’t imagine what the last strength coach we had under MacFail actually did for a living. Our linemen were thrown around like ragdolls by any team with a pulse, starting with the Michigan debacle. Did Mac put a pudding bar in the weight room?
Nice to know I wasn’t the only one noticing and wondering that.
I think he had a PB&J buffet.
the writer didnt make it clear what position he is being hired for. Mullen already added 2 co-offensive cor.. Is he going to replace them at that position, or be QB coach? Seems like a step down if he is QB coach since he is serving as a OC now. I thought Mullen said he was going to call the plays, so what does he need a full time OC for? I thought that is why he had 2 Co- OC’s since they also coached a position? A little better research please.
Daz: UF released the information about the coaching hire yesterday afternoon. The release did not state what role coach Johnson would fill.
Johnson spent one season as Houston’s offensive coordinator/QBs coach. He spent the three previous seasons as Mississippi State’s quarterbacks coach under Dan Mullen.
Mullen will be asked at the next media availability.
probably QB coach.. yes a bit of a step-down from OC/QB coach at Houston, but likely more pay then the position there, and more exposure even if Houston has been on the upswing lately.. while Mullen was at Miss State, probably couldn’t manage to have a competitive enough salary offered to get him to stay at Miss State, but was able to make a deal once he became Head Coach here to bring him back.
Actually it’s the 5th coach. MSU RB Coach also. Sure hope he Jajuan as RB and the new guy for Special Teams or TE’s. Yepper, G’Ville is looking like MSU East. As long as they swap 3-25 against top 25 teams to 25-3 all will be good. Like the change, good recruiting energy. Light at the end of the tunnel instead of a Trainwreck. Go Gators.
Mac’s first strength coach was from IMG and he proudly gave Will Grier the steroids. At the least it was done under his watch. Why would you hire a strength coach from an institution that is owned and operated by F$U? Hoping this is a light at the end of the tunnel and NOT a train wreck.
Gary, get your facts straight.
Not one of your statements are fact. Last thing we need is you spraying fake news. Shut up and go home to mommy.
which coach will he add to oversee credit card use ?? that’s the big question here ! hahahahaha
Now that’s a good one, Dave…..LOL
Great news. This is so wonderful. Welcome to the Gator Nation. My question is….what will be your role be since the total commitment list for 2018 is a kicker.
FSU 34 signees . 14 4 stars 5 5 stars.
UF”: 1 two star kicker.
What is Mullen’s buyout? Thank you Scott Starkville for ruining this program permanently.
Hank, get your facts straight little boy. Look it up. IMG was and is operated by FSU boosters and alum. You can do a Corporate Search on Sunbiz.org to check out the facts if you care too. Now shut your mouth and do your homework. I love this program and am sick and tired of it being gutted by incompetence and ambivalence.