Florida Gators football: Joker Phillips resigns as wide receivers coach, Chris Leak to take over

By Jack Crosby | Jun 11, 2014

Sep 28, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators assistant coach Joker Phillips watches his team warm up before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

With new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper coming in this offseason, it’s evident that drastic changes are going to be made to the Florida Gators’ offense. More change happened on Wednesday, but in the form of an exit, as the school has announced that wide receivers coach Joker Phillips has resigned from his position.

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“I’m thankful for the opportunity that the University of Florida and Will Muschamp provided to me and my family, but at this time I have decided to step down from my position on the UF coaching staff for personal reasons,’’ Phillips said.

Muschamp chimed in with his thanks for Phillips.

“I appreciate Joker’s contributions to our program and wish him and his wife, Leslie, nothing but the best in the future.”

Taking the place of Phillips following the departure now will be none other than former Gators quarterback Chris Leak, who returned to the program as a coach in 2013.

“I appreciate the opportunity that Coach Muschamp has given me and my family,” said Leak. “It’s an honor to be coaching at my alma mater where I have so many fond memories both on and off the field. We have a tremendous coaching staff, a great group of players and a support system in place and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Leak was instrumental in leading the Gators to the national championship following the 2006 season under then head coach Urban Meyer, with a freshman Tim Tebow backing him up.

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