Florida Football: Todd Grantham’s return huge for Gators

Florida football continued its positive offseason momentum by retaining their defensive coordinator Todd Grantham for the 2019 season. Grantham’s return will lead to several immediate and future benefits for the Gators.

After interviewing for the open defensive coordinator position for the Cincinnati Bengals, Todd Grantham decided to return to Gainesville to lead the Gators’ defense for at least one more season.

And all of Gator Nation released a collective sigh of relief.

Though his decision will rightfully be considered a win for Dan Mullen and Florida, Grantham’s return also indicated the undesirability of the Bengals position. The Bengals finished the 2018 season near the bottom of the NFL defensive ratings, which probably contributed to Grantham’s decision not to make the jump.

Another possibility – granted, a more cynical postulation – is that Grantham feigned interest in an NFL return to secure a hefty raise. Grantham already enjoyed the title of the highest-paid assistant coach in Florida history, but now he finds himself as one of the best-compensated assistants in all of college football.

No matter the true reason for his return, the benefits for the Gators are in fact clear and plentiful.

Perhaps the most obvious value of Grantham’s return is his status as a topflight defensive schemer who significantly improved Florida’s defense under his leadership. The numbers bare out the upgrade under Grantham.

According to ESPN’s team efficiency rankings, the Gators finished Grantham’s first year ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, just one year removed from finishing 47th in 2017. Turnovers and sacks increased. Yards surrendered decreased. Overall, Florida owned a near-elite defensive in 2018, and Florida needed Grantham to return to continue the defensive growth in 2019.

Lasting success for Florida – both defensively and as a program – might depend on the continuity of the staff leading it. That Mullen retained Grantham signals the possibility of a Clemson-like staff build in Gainesville. Dabo Swinney constructed the Clemson dynasty on the backs of key assistants whose loyalty has been, in part, purchased with competitive salaries. By paying Grantham like an elite assistant, Mullen and Florida indicated their willingness to take the necessary steps to secure successful coaches long-term.

Staff continuity is key to lasting program success because continuity leads to success on the recruiting trail. Why staff stability is meaningful can be perfectly illustrated by the signing of Khris Bogle on National Signing Day. Previously committed to Alabama, Bogle switched his commitment after the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator, Tosh Lupoi, left the program.

Staff turnover at Alabama opened the door for Florida to ink a talented prospect, and Florida avoided similar consequences in the 2020 class by preventing Grantham’s departure.

Keeping Grantham in Gainesville also proves that Mullen can handle all the difficulties associated with coaching a big-time program like the University of Florida. Not that anyone was questioning his leadership chops, but Mullen has demonstrated time and again this offseason that he has what it takes to maintain positive momentum and get the Gators back to competing for national championships.

By spurning a probable offer to coach in the NFL, Grantham doubled-down on his belief in Mullen’s leadership and coaching ability. The return of a skilled defensive coordinator like Todd Grantham who believes in his head coach will benefit the Gators defensively, in the recruiting rankings and in the pursuit of a national championship in 2019 and beyond.