Manny Diaz Out as Florida Gators Head Coach
Shaky Start to 2022 Season Leads to Diaz's Dismissal
Just three games into the 2022 college football season, the University of Florida has fired head coach Dan Mullen. The Gators started the season 2-1, but a 45-38 loss to Kentucky on Saturday proved to be the final straw for athletic director Scott Stricklin.
Mullen went 34-17 in four seasons at Florida, including a 10-3 mark in 2020 which earned the Gators a berth in the SEC Championship Game. However, the team regressed in 2021, finishing 6-7 and missing out on a bowl game.
Offensive Struggles Doom Mullen
The Gators' offense has struggled mightily in 2022, ranking 114th in the FBS in total offense. Quarterback Anthony Richardson has been inconsistent, and the running game has been unable to get going.
The defense has also been a disappointment, allowing 35 points per game. The Gators have been particularly vulnerable to the pass, ranking 126th in the FBS in pass defense.
Diaz Takes Over as Interim Head Coach
Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Toney has been with the Gators since 2021 and is considered to be a rising star in the coaching ranks.
It is unclear who will be Florida's next permanent head coach. However, several big-name candidates are expected to be in the mix, including former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley and current LSU coach Brian Kelly.
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