GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida is making significant strides in shaping its football program as head coach Jon Sumrall announces the hiring of Buster Faulkner as the offensive coordinator. A seasoned coach with a remarkable history, Faulkner brings a wealth of experience including three national titles and over 20 years in collegiate coaching.
Known for his innovative offensive strategies, Faulkner takes on this role after serving as the offensive coordinator for Georgia Tech from 2023 to 2025, where he helped elevate the program’s offensive performance. During that time, his offense consistently ranked at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in various statistical categories, including first in rushing yards at 197.8 and second in total offense at 437.7 yards per game.
Sumrall expressed his enthusiasm about Faulkner joining the Gators, stating, “Buster is one of the most innovative offensive coaches in football and I couldn’t be happier for him to join our staff.” He emphasized Faulkner’s ability to adapt his offensive schemes to leverage the skills of his players, raising expectations for a dynamic scoring attack.
Faulkner’s success is not limited to his recent stint at Georgia Tech. He played a vital role in the championship-winning seasons at Georgia in 2021 and 2022 while serving as a quality control coach for the offense. Under his guidance, quarterbacks at Georgia achieved remarkable passing efficiency and consistently ranked among the best nationally in both yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratios.
Before his time at Georgia, Faulkner had a successful career as an offensive coordinator at various programs including Southern Miss, Arkansas State, and Middle Tennessee State. This extensive experience has fostered an environment of player development, resulting in numerous All-ACC selections and even national accolades, such as the 2025 FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award.
Faulkner’s coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, as evidenced by Georgia Tech’s steady improvement during his tenure, culminating in a commendable 9-3 record in 2025. His ability to coach quarterbacks has also been noteworthy, highlighted by the success of 2025 first-team All-ACC quarterback Haynes King, who broke multiple records under Faulkner’s tutelage.
Faulkner is excited about the opportunity to work with Sumrall, recognizing the potential to compete for national championships at Florida. “Florida is a place where we can compete for national championships, and I can’t wait to meet the players and get this thing rolling!” he said.
A Georgia native and a former standout quarterback himself, Faulkner’s journey as a player and coach reflects his deep-rooted connection to the game. His achievements extend beyond the football field; he has also fostered a legacy of excellence in his family, recently becoming the first father-son duo to win high school state championships in Georgia as starting quarterbacks.
As Faulkner transitions to Florida, the university’s football program looks forward to a new era marked by potent offensive strategies and a focus on player development, setting the stage for what fans hope will be an exciting and successful season ahead.
