But as newly hired coach Will Muschamp starts assembling a staff, one recruiting expert says Addazio is worth keeping.
“He should definitely keep him,” said Tom Lemming. “Great recruiters don’t just come in bunches. They’re difficult to find, and Addazio’s one of the best around.”
Lemming suggested keeping several current assistants, including safeties coach Chuck Heater. But he was unequivocal in saying Addazio is one of the best recruiters in the country.
Addazio has been with Urban Meyer since he was hired at Florida, helping the Gators land several top recruiting classes. Since Meyer and Addazio were hired, the Gators have had a top-five recruiting class in either the Rivals.com, Scout.com or ESPN.com ranks each season. In three seasons, they have had the No. 1 recruiting class by at least one of those sites.
“Addazio should be a head coach by now, he’s that good. He’s a great recruiter, particularly up in the East, in that area,” Lemming said. “He yells all the time. The players love him. He’s an in-your-face type of a coach, which is what you need to get to the next level.
“He’s one of the premier recruiters in the country.”
To be sure, Muschamp is in the same category. In 2009, ESPN ranked he and Addazio as the top recruiters in the Big 12 and SEC, respectively.
Undoubtedly, Muschamp will want to create his own offensive identity and that likely means bringing in a new offensive coordinator. If Addazio wants to hang around, though, the recruiting benefits could be worth it. At least according to Lemming.
“Florida’s got more young talent than any team in the country because of these guys,” he said. “That freshman class is unbelievable, especially defensively. I would just say, don’t mess with it.”
| Recruiting class | Rivals | Scout | ESPN | |
| 2011 | 10 | 9 | 4 | |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 21 | 5 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 12 | 4 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
