Meet the New Coaches: Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier

The Florida football coaching staff has changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks. One of the most important new faces is the new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Let’s take a look at Nussmeier’s journey to becoming a Gator.

To start with, Nussmeier had an impressive college career at the University of Idaho, leading the team as a quarterback to 35 wins over four seasons. In 1993 he was presented the Walter Payton Award for being the Division 1-AA player of the year. After spending a few years in the NFL/CFL, he took a coaching position in 2003 at Michigan State as an offensive assistant alongside Jim McElwain. From then on, it would appear that he and McElwain followed very similar career paths.

After leaving Michigan State, Nussmeier moved on to the NFL, becoming the quarterbacks coach of the St. Louis Rams for two seasons. He would then return to coaching college ball replacing Jim McElwain twice as the offensive coordinator at both Fresno State and then Alabama, where he helped lead the team to their second national championship in a row in 2012.

Finally the dynamic duo are back at it, working together to reshape Florida’s football program. Both McElwain and Nussmeier realize they have a long way to go, but are prepared for the challenge. In one of his first press conferences as Florida’s OC, Nussmeier said the first job is to get to know the players.

“The biggest thing right now is getting to know the kids. I think that’s important that we take time before we start talking about system, before we start taking about what plays and who’s going to play where. It’s getting to know them as people.”

One thing that Nussmeier is looking to accomplish during his time here is building Florida’s quarterbacks and bringing in a new one with every recruiting class. With so much experience being a quarterback coach, this is his specialty, and he enjoys working with young quarterbacks especially.

“Anytime you have young quarterbacks it’s difficult because it takes time and everybody wants instant results. But the good thing is you get to build them from phase one.”

The question is, will the Gator offense improve in the 2015 season? Coach Jim McElwain says he has faith and that Doug Nussmeier’s track record has proven what great work he can do.

To listen to Nussmeier’s audio clips, click below.