Florida eyeing Auburn’s Marcus Davis, Kentucky’s Chris Collins as assistant coaches under Jon Sumrall

Image Credit: UAA

As the Florida Gators continue filling out their on-field staff under new head coach Jon Sumrall, there are still various key positions remaining unaccounted. Among those are coaches who will work directly with playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Florida is targeting Auburn’s Marcus Davis as wide receivers coach and Kentucky’s Chris Collins as safeties coach, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Davis, a native Floridian who was a four-year wideout for the Tigers, began his off-field career at his alma mater where he oversaw player personnel and development before working as an offensive analyst. He then moved to Florida State in an off-field role prior to nabbing his first on-field job at Hawaii. Davis then took over the wide receiver room at Georgia Southern before being hired back by Auburn ahead of the 2023 season.

Based on his work history, Davis’ path has not crossed with anyone on the Gators’ still-growing staff; however, he has SEC coaching and Sunshine State recruiting experience, landing two of the league’s top pass catchers in 2025.

Collins has coached under new Florida defensive coordinator Brad White for the last five seasons at Kentucky, spending the past two years as his co-defensive coordinator. It has been a quick rise for him with the Wildcats, his first Power Four coaching job, after serving as assistant safeties coach and recruiting coordinator at Georgia State (2017-20).

Auburn and Kentucky each went 5-7 this season.

Florida Gators coaching staff, 2026

Additional grades will be added once coaches are officially hired or widely reported.

Florida eyeing Auburn’s Marcus Davis, Kentucky’s Chris Collins as assistant coaches under Jon Sumrall

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