Brent Pease expected his second season as Florida’s offensive coordinator to be smoother than his first.
He had another year to implement his system, a confident starting quarterback and several new toys in his arsenal that were expected to help the Gators develop a more dynamic offense.
But those thoughts have since been replaced by concerns regarding his job security amid continued struggles from Florida’s offense and growing bitterness from fans.
“It’s human nature to probably think about that,” Pease said. “But I still got an obligation to this team, and the head coach, and the players I coach and the administration that I work for.”
A year after enjoying an 11-2 season and a trip to the Sugar Bowl, the Gators (4-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) have lost four straight games and have fallen out of contention in the SEC Eastern Division.
Florida has not had a losing record this late in a season since going 0-10-1 in 1979, which is the last time the Gators finished with a losing record. That mark could fall this season, as UF will be a heavy underdog in two of its three remaining games and is at risk of missing a bowl game for the first time since 1990.
“You never want to have a losing record or not be able to make it to a bowl game, so we’re just trying to win for our pride and for ourselves,” Hunter Joyer said.
A lack of production from a stagnant offense has been a key contributor to Florida’s decline.
The Gators are tied for 106th nationally in scoring offense and rank even lower in total offense.
After scoring just one total offensive touchdown during losses to LSU and Missouri, Florida was held without a touchdown in the first half of its 23-20 loss to Georgia. A week later, Vanderbilt clobbered Florida at home to earn its first win in Gainesville since 1945.
Each loss — and every poor offensive showing — increases the pressure on Pease, who is under contract through the 2015 season.
Florida’s second-year offensive coordinator agrees the offense has underperformed this season and said he understands the anger many fans feel toward him.
“It’s the same thing we tell the kids, you’ve got to be mentally tough,” Pease said. “You’ve got to shut it out sometimes. And I understand what people are saying and frustrated with.
“I mean, do they understand all of the circumstances? Not all of the time. But you’ve got to work through it. In my situation, I don’t think you can lose confidence in who you are and what you believe in and how you got to doing your job.”
Pease and the Gators have had to deal with more than the usual number of distractions this season.
Florida’s offense has lost its starting quarterback, running back, two offensive linemen and a wide receiver for the season due to injury. Several other players have also missed extended periods of time because of injury or suspension.
Tyler Murphy, who replaced Jeff Driskel earlier this season, is currently dealing with a sprained shoulder that has kept him out of practice this week and is questionable to play Saturday against No. 10 South Carolina.
“It’s tough, and I mean what are you going to do?” Pease said of the injuries to offensive players.
“You got to play the cards you’re dealt.”
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Brent Pease watches on as players go through warm-ups prior Florida’s 30-10 victory against Arkansas on Oct. 5 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
