University of Florida names Dave Caldwell General Manager of Football Program

Press release from the University of Florida Alumni Association

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Athletic Association announced today that Dave Caldwell has been named General Manager of the Florida Gators Football Program.

In his role, Caldwell will oversee roster and contract management, recruiting, the personnel department, football operations, and the GatorMade program. He will work closely with Head Coach Jon Sumrall to support the program’s recruiting, roster retention efforts, and long-term strategic planning.

Caldwell, a seasoned NFL executive, brings more than two decades of high-level professional football experience to Gainesville. He served as General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2013-2020 and most recently worked in player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in 2024 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

Prior to joining the Eagles, he was a consultant for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.

Throughout his time in Jacksonville, Caldwell selected more players in the NFL Draft that earned Pro Bowl honors than any other general manager in franchise history. He also built a roster that finished 10-6, won the AFC South title, and advanced to the AFC Championship Game in 2017.

Prior to the Jaguars, Caldwell was a part of teams that made the playoffs in 13 of his first 17 NFL seasons – Atlanta Falcons (2008-12), Indianapolis Colts (1998-2007) and Carolina Panthers (1996-97).

“David Caldwell is one of the most respected personnel evaluators and team-builders in football,” Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said. “His experience as an NFL general manager, his understanding of roster construction, management, and retention. His ability to manage complex football operations makes him an invaluable addition to our program. As the college landscape continues to evolve, David’s leadership and expertise will help ensure Florida Football is aligned, agile, and positioned for sustained success.”

In Caldwell’s five years with the Falcons, Atlanta appeared in four postseasons and was the only NFC team to record five straight winning campaigns. During the 2012 season, Caldwell served as the director of player personnel and oversaw college and pro scouting. He spent his first four years as the Falcons’ director of college scouting (2008-11), managing the club’s college area and regional scouts.
Caldwell spent 10 years (1998-2007) as an area scout with the Colts and helped build the roster that claimed Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Caldwell was the Western regional scout for his final two seasons after scouting the Midwest and West Coast areas during his first eight years in Indianapolis. He now brings all that wealth of experience to the Orange and Blue.

“David Caldwell is a tremendous addition to our organization.” said Sumrall. “His track record of building rosters, managing complex operations, and evaluating talent at the highest level speaks for itself. What impressed me most is his ability to pair that experience with a genuine commitment to developing people and creating alignment across a program. As we continue to elevate Florida Football, David’s leadership, vision, and steady presence will strengthen every area of what we do. I’m excited to work alongside and welcome him to Gator Nation.”

Caldwell said he is excited to join the Gators at a pivotal moment for the program.

“It is an honor to join the University of Florida and support Coach Sumrall in building a championship-caliber program,” Caldwell said. “Florida has every resource necessary to compete at the highest level, and I look forward to contributing my experience to help strengthen our processes, enhance our player development model, and support the vision Scott and Jon have for Gator Football. My family and I are thrilled to be part of Gator Nation.”

In 1996, Caldwell entered the NFL as a scouting assistant with the Panthers, where he spent two seasons. He was the liaison between the college scouting director and multiple area scouts while also focusing on draft preparations for the team.

Caldwell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance/business administration from John Carroll University, where he was a two-year letter winner at outside linebacker (1992-96). A native of Buffalo, NY, he and his wife, Joelle, have one son, David Michael II.