Stapleton Leaves UF for NFL

Darnell Stapleton, an integral part of the University of Florida's football coaching staff, is departing from his role as co-offensive line coordinator to join the NFL's Washington Commanders. Stapleton, who arrived at Florida in 2022 alongside head coach Billy Napier, has served as one of two full-time offensive line coaches for the Gators.

His journey to Florida began with Napier at the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, where he was an off-field assistant for the offensive line in 2021. Despite recently extending his contract with Florida, Stapleton has opted to take on a new challenge with the Commanders.

Before his coaching career, Stapleton had a notable stint as a player. He played in the NFL for a single season but left a lasting impression as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster for the 2008-09 season and starting as a right guard in the 2009 Super Bowl. Additionally, his college career was distinguished by being a finalist for the 2006 Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top collegiate center.

With Stapleton's departure, the Gators face the task of filling the gap he leaves behind. Sale, who remains with the team, but the strategy for replacing Stapleton and the future direction of the offensive line coaching is yet to be clarified by Napier and his staff. UF's offensive line took a drastic step back under Sale and Stapleton's tutelage in 2023, however. The group surrendered 39 sacks and helped rushers garner 4.3 yards per attempt, after Florida lost guard O'Cyrus Torrence and tackle Richard Gouraige to the NFL and other contributors to the NCAA transfer portal last offseason. 

According to SI.com, Stapleton and Sale. revitalized the Gators' offensive line in 2022, as the unit allowed only 17 sacks and paved the way toward 5.5 yards per team rush during their debut season in Gainesville.