Florida Football announced Monday the hiring of longtime Atlanta Falcons executive Nick Polk as Associate Athletic Director/Football General Manager and analytics specialist Benjamin Elsner as Director of Football Strategy.
Billy Napier had hinted at the move to hire a general manager for months, as college football needs more front office people to manage player contracts through NIL and revenue sharing.
Polk, a 17-year veteran with the Falcons, brings expertise in salary cap management, contract negotiations, and roster strategy. During his tenure in Atlanta, the franchise reached seven playoffs, three NFC Championship games, and Super Bowl LI. He also boasts 13 years of college coaching experience, including a stint as Lock Haven University’s head coach. Elsner, tasked with leveraging analytics and AI, will collaborate with Polk on financial strategy and data-driven decision-making.
“Nick’s leadership and experience will prove invaluable,” said head coach Billy Napier, emphasizing Polk’s blend of NFL acumen and college coaching background. Polk’s role will include overseeing revenue share allocation, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) budgets, and roster management, aligning with Florida’s push to adopt an NFL-style front office. Elsner will focus on optimizing analytics across personnel, game planning, and resource allocation.
“Every successful program has alignment in leadership,” Polk stated, thanking Napier and Athletic Director Scott Stricklin for the opportunity. “I’m excited to build a championship program here.”
The hires follow Napier’s February pledge to enhance UF’s approach to modern challenges, including athlete retention and financial strategy. Polk’s recent work with sports agency Athletes First and analytics group The 33rd Team further underscores his adaptability in evolving football landscapes.
As college sports brace for revenue-sharing frameworks, Florida’s investment in seasoned executives signals a proactive shift toward sustainable competitiveness, blending NFL operational rigor with cutting-edge analytics to navigate the sport’s new era.