Florida Interim Coach Addresses DJ Lagway’s Bench Decision

DJ Lagway, once viewed as a cornerstone of the Florida Gators’ football program, faced significant challenges in his sophomore season, culminating in a disappointing performance against the Kentucky Wildcats on March 15, 2024. In a game that ended with a score of 38-7, Lagway completed only 11 of 19 passes for 83 yards, accompanied by one touchdown and three interceptions. The struggles prompted interim head coach Billy Gonzales to bench Lagway at halftime, a decision that Gonzalez described as tactical rather than punitive.

During a press conference following the game, Gonzales emphasized the need to support players who are having difficulty. “We were struggling. He was having a tough time, but it’s not all on him, and I told him that. As a coach, it’s our responsibility. If someone’s struggling, help them out or take them out so they’re not put in that position to have to keep fighting through it,” Gonzales stated.

The decision to bench the young quarterback was not a reflection of Gonzales’ faith in Lagway’s abilities. Instead, it acknowledged that athletes can have off days, similar to a pitcher in baseball who may need to be replaced when struggling. “I told him, ‘I know we’re not Major League Baseball, but you’ve got an amazing amount of talent. You’re a great quarterback. But just like in baseball, if a pitcher’s struggling, what do you do? You get the next guy in. It doesn’t mean he’s not a great pitcher. It just means it wasn’t his day,’” Gonzales explained.

In the second half of the game against Kentucky, freshman Tramell Jones Jr. stepped in for Lagway. Despite the benching, Gonzales indicated that Lagway would continue to be a key player for the Gators. He confirmed that Lagway would take first-team reps in practice leading up to their upcoming game against the sixth-ranked Ole Miss.

“I wanted to bring him out. Let him refocus, gather himself, and hopefully turn it into a learning experience that’s going to make him better this week as we prepare for Ole Miss,” Gonzales remarked. This approach aims to help Lagway regain his confidence and sharpen his skills as he navigates the pressures of college football.

As the Gators prepare for their next matchup, the situation remains dynamic, with Lagway’s performance under close scrutiny. The team hopes to leverage this experience to foster growth in their young quarterback as they seek improvement in the remainder of the season.