Florida Turns to TurnkeyZRG in Football Coaching Search
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida has engaged TurnkeyZRG, a leading executive search firm specializing in sports and entertainment, to assist in its search for a new head football coach, Athletic director Billy Stricklin confirmed Monday.The move comes as the Gators seek a replacement for Billy Napier, who was fired Sunday after three seasons.
TurnkeyZRG has a proven track record in college athletics, having recently assisted Indiana University with the hiring of Curt Cignetti, who boasts an 18-2 record in two seasons with the Hoosiers. The firm also has a history with Florida, entering into a $1.3 million contract with the university before August 2024, according to a report from the Independent Florida Alligator. It remains unclear if the current coaching search costs will fall under that existing agreement.
Founded in 1996 and based in haddonfield, New Jersey, TurnkeyZRG focuses on filling C-level, senior-level, and mid-management positions within the sports, entertainment, music, and media industries. Over the past 25 years, the firm has completed over 1,500 searches for clients including the NFL, Los Angeles Dodgers, NCAA, Big Ten Conference, SEC, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas.
According to its website, TurnkeyZRG has successfully completed over 200 searches within college athletics, placing individuals in roles ranging from athletic directors and deputy ADs to head coaches across all sports. The firm emphasizes its ability to quickly identify and connect with potential candidates, stating they aim to “start your search ’on second base.'”
While utilizing TurnkeyZRG’s expertise, Stricklin affirmed he will retain final decision-making authority in the coaching search. “I’ll use every available resource,” Stricklin said. “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. I’ll be listening to a lot and taking a lot of suggestions and advice.And we do have a lot of access to a lot of information. So we’ll utilize all of that.”
Coaching searches typically range in cost from $50,000 to $150,000, according to a CBS Sports report.
