Gators’ OC Brent Pease: I Feel Like I’ve Earned the Right to be Back

Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive coordinator Brent Pease prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Give Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease credit. Even amid reports from the Associated Press’s Mark Long, Orlando Sentinel, CBS Sports’ Jeremy Fowler, and ESPN’s Joe Schad  he won’t be returning next season, Pease came out to his weekly press conference Tuesday and answered some really tough questions with dignity and grace. Pease was asked point-blank, “Do you feel like you’ve earned the right to be back?’, to which he responded, “Yeah.”

"“I mean, I would hope so, but I mean, I’ll kind of direct that at that time later on probably after this game.” – Pease on if he believes he’ll be back next season."

"“Why is that? I think, you know, you look at the first year and some of the situations and knowing the body of work and not just one, a game-to-game basis and situations we’ve been under. I’d hope that any evaluations are looked at that way. But, you know, I understand things, too. It’s not like. I know you got to win and have success. If it’s not meant to be… I came into this with friends, and I’m walking out of it with friends.” – Pease on why he’s earned the right to return."

You can read the rest of the press conference here. (h/t Only Gators)

I think it has been a forgone conclusion that Pease and Tim Davis, the offensive line coach will not be with the Gators next season. The offensive line play has been abysmal, even before three starters were out with injuries. They’re the reason why Florida’s on their third-string quarterback. And Pease’s offenses over the past two years just have not been good. This season, the Gators’ are 111th out of 123 FBS teams. Last season, they weren’t much better despite an 11-2 record. Florida’s offense ranked 97th. But was Pease really the right man for the job to begin with? Let’s take a look:

Pease’s Offensive Ranks as Offensive Coordinator at FBS Schools
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You can clearly see that Pease has struggled as the offensive coorindator of BCS conference teams. The only slight exception is in 2002 at Kentucky when the Wildcats’ points per game went from 80th in the country to 23rd. Other than that, Pease’s offenses haven’t ranked above 56th in total yards per game and 78th in points per game. Pease’s offenses just haven’t worked that well against BCS level competition. His season as Boise State’s OC thrust him into the spotlight and made him coveted by both Florida and Alabama. But a closer look at his past history shows his offenses just haven’t cut it.

With Pease most likely not being around in 2014, who should take over? I know everyone has clamored for a big name offensive coordinator like former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell or Clemson OC Chad Morris. But someone with that much job security wouldn’t take the risk in a volatile Gators situation. Who knows if Muschamp will be back in 2015? I sure don’t. But I do know if his offense doesn’t improve, then he likely won’t be. The best option for the future OC for Florida might already be in Gainesville: Joker Phillips. Phillips is one of the best recruiters on the nation and his offenses at Kentucky when he was offensive coordinator were pretty good. In 2007, Phillips’ Wildcat offense was ranked in the top-15 nationally for total offense and points per game. If I’m Will Muschamp, Phillips is the first person I interview following Saturday’s game against Florida State.

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