The Florida Gators have embarked on a new journey—not only in coaching but also in management. With Jon Sumrall appointed as the new head coach, the Gators are also bringing on board former Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager, Dave Caldwell.

After climbing the ranks in scouting, Caldwell became the Jaguars’ GM in 2013 and quickly made waves by firing coach Mike Mularkey and hiring Gus Bradley just nine days into his term. He made critical picks during the 2014 NFL Draft, including quarterback Blake Bortles and receiver Allen Robinson. His tenure saw notable players such as Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Fournette added to the roster.

During the high point of Caldwell’s experience in 2017, the Jaguars made it to the AFC Championship Game, falling short to the New England Patriots. The subsequent years, however, saw challenges, as the team struggled with a 12-36 record following that success, which led to Caldwell’s dismissal in the 2020 season after a disappointing start.

In 2021, Caldwell took a new role with the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior personnel director, contributing to their recent Super Bowl victory. The Gators’ latest hire signifies a push towards a more professional football approach amidst a landscape increasingly influenced by NIL deals and revenue sharing, potentially alleviating some of the roster-building challenges for Sumrall.