ron roberts coaching
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Ron Roberts Coaching Profile

Ron Roberts is a football coach for the Florida Gators and formerly head coach for Delta State and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions (FCS). His is most known for his impressive defensive strategies and success in various coordinator roles including defensive coordinator at Lousiana-Lafayette.

In 2024, Roberts accepted a role as the executive head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and inside linebackers coach for the University of Florida Gators.

His coaching career highlights include:

  • Over 30 years of coaching experience
  • Led Delta State to two NCAA Super Region II titles and four 10-win seasons
  • Guided Southeastern Louisiana to two Southland Conference championships (2013-2014)
  • 2021 Baylor Bears lead conference in interceptions (19), turnovers gained (27), turnover margin (0.93) and defensive touchdowns (3).

RELATED: FULL LIST OF NCAA HEAD COACH SALARIES

Ron Roberts Coaching Record 

Years ActiveRecordWin %Championships
2007-201789-4566.4%6

Coaching record includes his time as head coach at Delta State (2007-2011) and Southeastern Louisiana (2012-2017).

Coaching Tree 

Parents

  • Billy Napier

Ron Roberts Salary

Upon arrival as executive head coach for the Florida Gators, Roberts has agreed to a two-year deal that will pay him $750,000 in 2024 and $950,000 in 2025.

Ron Roberts Coaching Style  

Outside of his time with Southeastern Louisiana and Delta State, Roberts’ has spent his time operating as a defensive coordinator for teams since the early 90s. Ron Roberts’ coaching approach centers around building strong defensive units and adapting to different levels of competition. His philosophy encompasses several key elements:

  • Emphasizing aggressive and adaptable defensive strategies
  • Focusing on player development and maximizing talent
  • Cultivating a culture of success and continuous improvement
  • Implementing innovative schemes to counter modern offenses

Roberts’ coaching style is characterized by:

  • Ability to improve defensive performance quickly
  • Emphasis on creating turnovers and limiting opponents’ scoring
  • Adaptability to different levels of competition (FCS, FBS, Power 5)
  • Focus on developing well-rounded defensive units

Many would agree that his approach has led to success at multiple levels, from Division II to the SEC, as evidenced by consistent statistical improvements across multiple teams.

NFL Players Coached by Ron Roberts

NameTeamRoundPos.CollegeYear
Jalen PitreHouston TexansRound 2SBaylor2022
Robert AlfordAtlanta FalconsRound 2CBSoutheastern Louisiana2013
Siaki IkaCleveland BrownsRound 3DTBaylor2023
Terrel BernardBuffalo BillsRound 3ILBBaylor2022
JT WoodsLos Angeles ChargersRound 3SBaylor2022
Percy ButlerWashington CommandersRound 4SLouisiana-Lafayette2022
Harlan MillerArizona CardinalsRound 6CBSouthern Louisiana2016
Kalon BarnesCarolina PanthersRound 7CBBaylor2022
Will Bradley-KingWashington CommandersRound 7DEBaylor2021

Ron Roberts Coaching Tree

While Ron Roberts has worked under several notable coaches, his most significant mentor in recent years has been Billy Napier. Roberts and Napier worked together at Louisiana- Lafayete back in 2018-2019 along with several other coaches who have also migrated to Florida.

Roberts is credited with influencing the Gators’ current offensive implemented by Patrick Toney and Austin Armstrong before Robert’s appointment as head coach to the Gators. The two coordinators worked under Roberts at University of Louisiana/Lafayette where they developed the offensive schemes at play for the Gators right now.

RELATED: FCS Vs. FBS: HISTORY OF FCS WINS

Ron Roberts Football Career Timeline

  • UT Martin (1986-1989): Player (Linebacker)
  • Houston High School (TN) (1990-1993): Defensive Coordinator
  • Burroughs High School (CA) (1994-1996): Head Coach
  • Greensboro College (1997): Assistant Coach
  • Tusculum College (1998-2002): Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
  • Texas State (2003): Defensive Coordinator
  • Mount Whitney High School (CA) (2004): Head Coach
  • Delta State (2005-2011):
    • Defensive Coordinator (2005-2006)
    • Head Coach (2007-2011)
  • Southeastern Louisiana (2012-2017): Head Coach
  • Louisiana (Lafayette) (2018-2019): Defensive Coordinator
  • Baylor (2020-2022): Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach
  • Auburn (2023): Defensive Coordinator
  • Florida (2024-Present): Executive Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach

Under Roberts’ leadership, multiple programs have shown significant defensive improvements. His ability to adapt to different levels of competition and consistently produce strong defensive units has been a hallmark of his career. As he begins his tenure at Florida, it remains to be seen how his extensive experience and defensive expertise will impact the Gators’ program in the highly competitive SEC.