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Paul Pasqualoni leaving Gators for Carolina Panthers

Untitled designby: Nick de la Torre02/08/22delatorre
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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni prior to the first half of an NFL preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 24, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Florida coach Billy Napier is losing Paul Pasqualoni from his off-field staff.

The Carolina Panthers hired Pasqualoni to be their defensive line coach Tuesday. Pasqualoni, 72, was head coach at Syracuse for 14 years and was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame. Pasqualoni had joined the Gators in 2020. He was retained by Billy Napier as the Gators’ Director of Advanced Scouting and Self Scout.

Napier spoke very highly of Pasqualoni in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel. When asked what retaining Pasqualoni meant to the Gators, Napier replied:

“Wisdom. Not only is he a very knowledgeable guy, but he’s applied that knowledge. This guy, there’s a difference knowing what to do and then actually taking that knowledge and applying it. He’s solved a lot of problems in his day,” Napier told the Orlando Sentinel. “He’s seen it done a lot of different ways. You’re always looking at people who have perspective, who have maturity — and will give you an opinion. I’m always seeking out opinions. I want somebody that’s different than me. He’s capable of doing that.”

Pasqualoni was well liked and respected by the Gators

Pasqualoni served in an off-field role for former Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen. When defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was fired during the 2021 season, Pasqualoni was elevated to an on-field role.

Former Gator Zachary Carter spoke highly of the 40-year veteran coach.

“It’s been a pleasure to be around coach P. I know he has so much football experience, man. He’s been doing this a long time,” Carter said in November. “And any time he comes to talk to me I always soak up whatever he’s telling me, his knowledge of the game, because I know he knows what he’s talking about.

“I know a guy like that, especially being in the outside linebacker room, I feel like he’s only going to continue to help those guys grow and give them the knowledge that they need. So I’m excited for him, and I think he’s going to help us a lot.”

Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter also chimed in.

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