The Florida Gators have hired Nick Polk, the former director of football operations for the Atlanta Falcons, as the school’s new associate athletic director and general manager of football operations.
Polk spent 18 seasons with the Falcons, serving as director of football operations from 2013 to 2020 before the team relieved him of his duties in 2021. Despite his exit from Atlanta, Polk is highly regarded for his football acumen and wealth of experience in the front office.
As the NCAA navigates the changing financial landscape around NIL payments, Polk is expected to help manage the Gators salary cap and financial dealings.
Intriguing move by Florida, which hired former #Falcons executive Nick Polk as Associate Athletic Director/Football GM, among other hires. https://t.co/5nfVulSxDq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2025
Falcons owner Arthur Blank was among those who spoke out in support of the Gators hiring Polk. Blank praised Polk for his work ethic and expertise as an executive:
The University of Florida is getting a highly detailed and dependable professional in Nick Polk. Nick has a tremendous work ethic, deep expertise in the operations and financial management of a football team and was someone who engendered a strong measure of trust from me and our staff during his time in Atlanta. I’m confident he’ll be a valuable asset to not only the UF leadership in football, but across the athletic department. — Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner
The Falcons have made a few changes to their coaching staff since the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season. The team hired defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, defensive line coach Nate Ollie and defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg.