TAMPA -- Florida football co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts will serve as the sole coordinator on Friday when UF faces Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl (3:30 p.m., ESPN2).

With co-defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong leaving for Houston last week, the 57-year-old Roberts will guide a Florida Gators defense that improved as the season progressed. UF has surrendered an average of 14.7 points over its last three games, tallying 18 sacks and nine takeaways during that span.

"Our guys are getting more comfortable with what they are doing," Roberts said. "Some of them have just stepped up their game, just worked at it all season long and it's kind of gotten to the point where, you kind of work together."

Armstrong spent two seasons at UF and primarily called the defense in 2023 before collaborating with Roberts in 2024. Florida coach Billy Napier wouldn't say at this point in time whether he plans to replace Armstrong with a co-defensive coordinator or position coach role.

"Congratulations to Austin," Napier said. "I think this obviously, getting a chance to call the defense and lead the group, I think that's his passion and we were very supportive in that regard."

Roberts, with prior experience as a defensive coordinator at Baylor and Auburn, could possibly take over the full-time DC role next season. He will call the defense against Tulane out of the press box, and Florida will have enough defensive analysts and position coaches on the field to relay information to him.

"We'll shuffle some things around and that's just part of it," Roberts said. "Everybody that comes into the program whether it be players or coaches, you kind of really want everybody to leave for a better opportunity, something better for themselves."

After a shaky September, Florida's defense surrendered 23 points or less in six of its final eight games. Roberts said he saw the turn during the first bye week at the end of September.

"You get around that bye week, the idea of competing, every snap and going out there and doing those things, I think it was good for us," Roberts said. "I think a lot of times when it comes down to it, it's really the kid's mindset when he shows up on Saturday. That's what it's all about."

Roberts said it will be important for the UF defense to keep showing its playmaking ability in the bowl game on Friday to finish the season on a positive note.

"Every time you go on the field, it's your résumé you are putting it out there," Roberts said, "So, you obviously want to put your best foot forward and your best approach forward. It's going to mean a lot."

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun's Florida beat writer. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1