JC Deacon Named Florida Men's Golf Coach
Saturday, June 14, 2014 | Men's Golf
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Former Canadian Tour and collegiate player J.C. Deacon is the University of Florida men's golf coach, UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley announced Saturday. Deacon served as an assistant coach for four seasons at UNLV before being selected as Florida's 15th head men's golf coach in program history.
| J.C. Deacon File |
| Birthdate: |
| Nov. 17, 1982 in Toronto, Canada |
| Collegiate (UNLV: 2001-05) |
| ● 2002 Mountain West Champions (T-2nd as individual) |
| ● Played at 2002 and 2003 NCAA Championships |
| ● Advanced to semifinals of U.S. Amateur in 2005 |
| ● Academic All-Mountain West Team |
| Professional |
| ● Won two titles – the Emerald Hills Classic and |
| Miami Shores Shootout in 2007 |
| ● Member of Canadian Tour from 2007-10, appearing in 20-40 events/yr. |
| ● Placed T4 at 2008 Saskatchewan Open |
| Coaching Career |
| ● UNLV Assistant Coach (March 2011-June 2014) |
| Responsibilities include recruiting, coaching, academic Monitoring, NCAA compliance, fundraising |
Deacon, who played for the Rebels from 2001-05, brings substantial knowledge of the game and recruiting ability to the Gators. He joined the UNLV staff in the spring of 2011. The 2013 Rebels advanced to NCAA Championships' match play, tying for fifth overall. Two Rebels (Kevin Penner, 2012 & 2013 and Derek Ernst 2012) earned All-America honors. Five different Rebels have collected a total of eight spots on the All-Mountain West Men's Golf Team since 2011, with Ernst winning the 2012 MWC individual title and Penner taking 2013 win.
As a student-athlete, Deacon helped the team score a Mountain West title in 2002, finishing tied for second at the conference showdown. Deacon played on the Rebel squads that advanced to the 2002 and 2003 NCAA Championships.
“I was thrilled when Jeremy first told me. I immediately started mentally reviewing those lists I had developed if this opportunity was presented. I want to start that vision I have for this program,” Deacon said.
“I am looking forward to becoming part of something I truly believe in. I've been a big fan of the Florida program for a long time. Buddy (Alexander) has produced nationally competitive teams throughout the years. I just know there are a serious amount of championships to be won at Florida. I have that platform now and it is up to me to go out and do the hard work to get it done.”
After college, Deacon pursued a professional career where he played on several tours. In 2005, he advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur and then in 2007 won two Minor League Golf Tour Titles, taking honors at the Emerald Hills Classic and the Miami Shores Shootout.
Deacon continued playing professionally on the Gateway and Canadian Tour. He played in 35 events over a three year span (2008-10) on the Canadian Tour and made 17 cuts. His best finish came at the 2008 Saskatchewan Open where he shared a spot for fourth place.
“When I finally had the chance to sit down with J.C. Deacon, everything I had been hearing over and over about him was apparent. There is much to offer with our storied golf program and J.C. will bring that message to the golf community,” Foley said. “He has what it takes to be a successful recruiter as he has built relationships with so many in the golf world.
“It is readily evident that he wants – and has a plan – to make the players successful in the classroom, on the course and in life. He will do things the right way because with his character and tremendous integrity, he knows no other way. J.C. will fit right in among our coaching staff and we welcome him to the Gator program.”
During his playing days, Deacon was a member of the 2004 Academic All-Mountain West Team. He graduated from UNLV with a bachelor's degree in communications in 2005. He will be returning to the state where he completed high school. Deacon, who attended IMG Academy, graduated from St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Bradenton, Fla.
Deacon is replacing Buddy Alexander, who announced his retirement on April 22. Alexander steered the Gator program for the past 27 seasons, leading the team to the 1993 and 2001 NCAA titles and eight Southeastern Conference crowns.
| Did You Know? | |||
| JC Deacon is the seventh member of the Gators' head coaching staff who took the top spot at Florida directly from an assistant coaching position. | |||
| Sport | Head Coach | Position Prior to UF Head Coach | As a Gator Head Coach |
| Baseball | Kevin O'Sullivan | Associate Head Coach – Clemson | 2011 NCAA College World Series Runner-Up, 2010, 2011 & 2014 SEC Champions, CWS appearances from 2010-12 |
| Football | Will Muschamp | Coach in Waiting/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers – Texas | Led Florida to 11-2 season in 2012, including final BCS Ranking of No. 3 and appearance in the Sugar Bowl |
| Men's Golf | J.C. Deacon | Assistant Coach – UNLV | |
| Women's Golf | Emily Glaser | Assistant Coach – Florida | Led the Gators to back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances in her two seasons as Florida head coach |
| Gymnastics | Rhonda Faehn | Associate Head Coach – Nebraska | Back-to-back NCAA team titles in 2013 and 2014; four SEC titles |
| Track & Field | Mike Holloway | Associate Head Coach – Florida | Five-time NCAA Champion (2010, 2011 & 2012 indoor; 2012 & 2013 outdoor); five SEC team titles |
| Volleyball | Mary Wise | Associate Head Coach – Kentucky | 20 SEC titles; 7 Final Fours |
