Jay Bateman, Florida’s inside linebackers coach, has accepted an offer to join Texas A&M’s coaching staff as the program’s next defensive coordinator, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Bateman, whose coaching career spans more than two decades, just finished his second season at Florida.
During his first year in Gainesville, Bateman’s unit helped the Florida defense produce 22 takeaways and finish tied for first in the Southeastern Conference. He came to Gainesville after three seasons as North Carolina’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach (2019-21).
During his time with the Tar Heels, Bateman helped develop two NFL Draft picks, including Chazz Surrat, who was picked in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, along with Jason Strowbridge who was selected in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2020. Prior to joining the Tar Heels’ program, Bateman spent five seasons as Army’s defensive coordinator.
Army won 29 games during Bateman’s tenure with the program, including three bowl games during his last three seasons, which included two top-10 finishes in total defense. Bateman was one of five finalists for the 2018 Broyles Award, in addition to being a semifinalist in 2016.
Early into the 2023 season, Florida head coach Billy Napier praised Bateman for his role in developing the team’s talent at the position, including Shemar James and Scooby Williams.
“Jay Bateman‘s done a fantastic job,” Napier said on Sept. 27. “I mean, think about Ventrell (Miller) and (Amari) Burney last year and then these two guys (James and Williams) this year. I think that those guys, they have the right approach. They’re some of the better practice players. Shemar James, you know, his output in practice is second-to-none every day. I mean, he’s playing fast, practicing fast. And Scooby, to compliment Scooby, Scooby has been banged up but he’s going. He’s practicing, he’s shown some toughness and grit to be able to go out there and try to play with some consistency. But we’re proud of those guys, and I’m proud of the way that both have improved as communicators. Let’s don’t forget that that was one of the more competitive rooms and it continues to be one of the more competitive rooms. If you’re not doing your job there’s someone who’s capable. I think the competition has really helped them grow.”
Furthermore, Bateman was instrumental in helping the Gators land their first commitment in the class of 2024 in linebacker Myles Graham. The son of former UF standout Earnest Graham, Myles Graham committed to Florida back on Aug. 14, 2022, and Graham, who relocated to Gainesville ahead of his senior season to compete at nearby Buchholz High School, would receive the final visit from Napier before putting pen to paper and joining the Gators.
“I think Myles was our first commitment, and he was my last home visit. You’re sitting at that dinner table in his home and you’re observing his mom, his dad, his sisters, his cousins, and you observe that, and you listen to their story,” Napier said Wednesday. “It’s in him, right? He cares about this place. I think he’s an exceptional football player, but this guy’s a leader, man. He’s got presence. He’s articulate. This guy is going to do a lot more than just be a great football player for the Gators. Myles, it’s pretty well documented that he’s not just a great linebacker, he’s a heck of a running back, too. Myles is ready to go too. He’s physical. He’s mature. Very smart player. And he’s been very consistent and vocal, right? I think that’s one of the reasons we were able to finish with a really good group is because of his leadership presence and the way he kind of carried the flag for this class.”
