Phil Trautwein, a dual national champion from his time as a player at the University of Florida and a prominent figure on the coaching front, is on the verge of returning to his roots. He is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to become the new offensive line coach for the Florida Gators under head coach Jon Sumrall.
This development comes as a natural progression in Trautwein’s illustrious football career, which has seen him mentor numerous first-round NFL Draft picks during his six-year tenure at Penn State. His experience includes serving as Boston College’s offensive line coach for two seasons before his successful stint with the Nittany Lions, where he coached an impressive 39 all-conference selections.
During his college playing days at Florida, Trautwein played a significant role on the team that secured national championships, demonstrating his talent as a 2-time All-SEC performer. After a brief NFL career, he transitioned to coaching, where he has shaped the careers of many future stars, including three first-round NFL draft picks and a promising prospect, Olaivavega Ioane, who is anticipated to be a first-round choice in the 2026 draft.
Trautwein’s recruitment skills also stand out, having successfully brought several five-star recruits to Penn State and helping to produce seven offensive linemen who made it to the NFL. Though he expressed his commitment to Penn State as of August, the unexpected midseason change in coaching staff prompted him to reconsider his future.
Now, with his return to Florida, Trautwein is poised to bring his wealth of experience back to the program where he once made his mark as a player, further solidifying the Gators’ prospects for success in the upcoming seasons. This move signifies not only a homecoming for Trautwein but also a promising era ahead for Florida football.