Darnell Stapleton enters his second season as Florida’s offensive line coach.
During his first year as Florida's offensive line coach, Stapleton worked alongside offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale and contributed heavily toward a powerful run offense. The Gators finished the 2022 regular season as the third-most productive offense in the nation and best in the conference in yards per carry (5.84). Florida ran the ball for an average of 213.7 yards per game in 2022, which ranked 16th in the FBS and third in the SEC.
The efficiency by Florida's running offense reflected an offensive line mentored directly by Stapleton and Sale that allowed only 13 sacks in the regular season, ranking tied for second-fewest in the SEC and 16th in the FBS.
The offensive line was anchored by Louisiana transfer O’Cyrus Torrence, who finished as the top-rated guard in the nation at 88.0, according to Pro Football Focus.
Torrence became first Gators offensive guard to be named a Consensus All-American, and the fifth lineman in Florida history. He was named a First Team All-American by Sporting News, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and Walter Camp, and to the second team by the Football Writers Association of America. He was also named to the AP All-SEC First Team.
Torrence never allowed a QB hit or sack in 3,065 career snaps, including zero QB hurries or penalties in 698 snaps and 11 games started with the Gators in 2022.
In addition to Torrence finishing as PFF’s No. 1-rated guard in college football during the 2022 season, Austin Barber ranked as the No. 22 tackle in the FBS and was placed on the College Football News Freshman All-America First Team.
Stapleton’s offensive line unit delivered two NFL products via the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency during his first year at Florida. Torrence was drafted by Buffalo in the second round, while tackle Richard Gouraige was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Stapleton joined the Gators staff after spending the 2021 the season with Napier at Louisiana, where he helped the Ragin' Cajuns to a Sun Belt Conference championship.
Stapleton's unit blocked for 2021 Sun Belt Conference Championship Game MVP Levi Lewis, who compiled 2,646 yards of passing, the second-best in the league, threw the third-most touchdowns in the conference (19) and ranked fifth with 203.5 passing yards per game through 13 games.
On the ground, Louisiana's offensive line helped the Ragin' Cajuns to 31 rushing touchdowns and 2,496 rushing yards, ranking 14th and 24th respectively in the nation, while placing second and third in the conference in 13 games.
Prior to Louisiana, Stapleton spent four seasons at Sam Houston State, where he was the offensive line coach and the run game coordinator from 2017-20. In 2019, the Bearkat offensive line produced a pair of All-Southland Conference selections in first teamer Colby Thomas and third teamer Tyler Edwards, who help running back Donovan Williams finish second in the Southland in rushing with 925 yards and 14 touchdowns.
From 2014-17, he served at the offensive line coach at Bucknell University.
In 2016, Stapleton coached Julién Davenport, who captured First Team All-America honors from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Foundation and STATS. Also a four-time All-Patriot League selection, Davenport became Bucknell's first NFL Draft pick since 1969 when he was taken in the fourth round by the Houston Texans.
The offensive line coach at Pace University for six months prior to joining the Bucknell staff, Stapleton completed two years as a graduate assistant at Rutgers, working closely with an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed in 2012. The Scarlet Knights went to two bowl games during Stapleton's tenure, which also included a Big East title.
Stapleton joined the Rutgers program in 2005 after two playing years at Hudson Valley Community College. He started all 25 games at center during his two years at Rutgers, earning recognition as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as a senior. Stapleton anchored an offensive line that blocked for future NFL Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice.
Stapleton graduated from Rutgers in 2007 with a degree in business and labor relations.
Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2010 and was on the squad that won Super Bowl XLIII at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign. He started 18 games on the offensive line during his time in Pittsburgh, including the Super Bowl. Overall, he played in 26 career games with the Steelers.
Stapleton's coaching career started in 2011 with the New York Sharks, a women's professional football team. He followed that stint with one season coaching both the offensive and defensive lines at Montclair Kimberly Academy. The squad posted a 9-2 mark, surpassing the program record for wins by three.
Stapleton has coached three NFL Draft selections in O'Cyrus Torrence (2023, Florida), Max Mitchell (2022, Louisiana) and Julien Davenport (2017, Bucknell).
Stapleton is a native of Union Township, NJ.
| DARNELL STAPLETON COACHING HISTORY |
| Year |
School, Position (Record as HC) |
| 2022-Pres. |
Florida, Assistant Coach/Offensive Line Coach |
| 2021 |
Louisiana, Offensive Line Coach |
| 2017-2020 |
Sam Houston State, Running Game Coordinator/Offensive Line |
| 2014-2017 |
Bucknell, Offensive Line Coach |
| 2014 |
Pace, Offensive Line Coach |
| 2013-2014 |
Rutgers, Graduate Assistant |
| 2012 |
Montclair Kimberly Academy, Offensive and Defensive Line Coach |
| 2011 |
New York Sharks, Head Coach (5-3) |
| NFL PLAYERS COACHED BY STAPLETON |
| Name |
Team |
Pick |
Pos. |
College |
Draft Year |
| O'Cyrus Torrence |
Buffalo Bills |
Round 2, Pick 28, 59 Overall |
OG |
Florida |
2023 |
| Max Mitchell |
New York Jets |
Round 4, Pick 6, 111 Overall |
OT |
Louisiana |
2022 |
| Julien Davenport |
Houston Texans |
Round 4, Pick 24, 130 Overall |
OT |
Bucknell |
2017 |
