Alabama Loses Football Assistant to Florida Days After His Hiring Became Official

Alabama loses a football assistant to an SEC rival just days after it was official

It's been just nine days since Austin Armstrong was officially added to the Alabama football staff, but the assistant is already moving on from the school.

And just when Nick Saban thought he was all done filling out his assistant coaching positions, it turns out he has a new opening.

Armstrong is departing Alabama to join Florida as the Gators' defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Saban originally tapped Armstrong to serve as inside linebackers coach for the Crimson Tide, but this move represents a major promotion in stature and salary and a chance to move up the ranks of the SEC.

Armstrong moves in to replace Patrick Toney, who left the coordinator position at Florida to take a new job with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.

By moving to Florida, the 29-year-old Armstrong becomes the youngest defensive coordinator to work at the Power Five level.

Armstrong had joined the Alabama staff in January of 2023 after serving as defensive coordinator at Southern Miss for the previous two seasons.

"Growing up in West Alabama the opportunity to coach at The University of Alabama is a dream come true," Armstrong said in his original statement when his addition at Alabama became official on Feb. 13. 

Armstrong added, "I have admired what Coach Saban has built in Tuscaloosa and the long history of tradition and success this program has enjoyed. I am excited to get to work as we continue the legacy of success that is synonymous with Alabama football."

That was, until Billy Napier and Florida came calling.

Armstrong first worked with the current Florida head football coach as a graduate assistant when both were at Louisiana in 2018.

Florida finished No. 97 in total defense last season, Napier's first at the school, posted the 87th ranked scoring defense, surrendering nearly 29 points per game, and allowed opponents to convert on 49.7 percent of opportunities.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | All Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Facebook