College football’s 2026 offseason was more than a coaching carousel, it was a strategic overhaul. Across the SEC and national scene, lists of top coordinator hires include names like Buster Faulkner taking over at Florida and former UF head coach Will Muschamp returning to Texas.
For the Gators, coordinator movement nationally adds context to its own staff construction under new head coach Jon Sumrall. A reminder that elite assistants can profoundly influence recruiting, offensive identity and defensive resilience in a championship chase.
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Faulkner’s coaching journey has been defined by offensive innovation and player development, traits that made him an appealing fit for the program. A former quarterback at Ouachita Baptist, Faulkner began his coaching career in the high school ranks before quickly ascending. Stops at Middle Tennessee, Georgia Southern and Alabama State are where his offense was regularly ranked among the nation’s most productive.
Florida’s decision to hire Faulkner reflects a desire to modernize its offensive identity, emphasizing scheme versatility, quarterback development and a play-calling approach built around pace. “Haynes King flourished in Faulkner’s offense at Georgia Tech, and the Yellow Jackets led the ACC in yards per play last season,” explains Blake Toppmeyer in his eight college football coordinator hires he can’t stop thinking about.
USA TODAY Sports Toppmeyer has Faulker alongside names like Chip Kelly — fresh off a national championship with Ohio State and a short stint in the NFL, who was hired as offensive coordinator at Northwestern and longtime offensive brain Boby Petrino, who recently joined Bill Belichick’s staff in North Carolina.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: All eyes on Buster Faulkner ahead of crucial 2026 for Florida
