Jim McElwainhad an opening for a defensive backs coach for about 24 hours.
One day after losing well-regarded defensive backs coach and recruiting rainmaker Travaris Robinson to Auburn, FootballScoop has learned that the Gators Kirk Callahanaway from Central Florida. The news was first reported by Derek Tyson of ESPN.
A third-year member of George O'Leary's staff this fall, Callahan helped the AAC co-champion Knights rank 22nd in passing defense, 12th in pass efficiency defense, tied for fourth in yards per attempt allowed and tied for 10th in interceptions this fall. Cornerback Jacoby Glennwas named the program's first AP First Team All-American this fall and earned AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, while fellow defensive backfield mates Clayton Geathersand Brandon Alexanderalso earned All-AAC nods.
He was named a FootballScoop Defensive Backs Coach of the Year finalist for his efforts.
Like the man he is replacing, Callahan is thought of as an effective recruiter in the state of Florida. Which, you know, is important for a football coach at the University of Florida.
A former UCF player, Callahan broke into coaching as a student assistant with the Knights in 2007. He spent the 2008-09 seasons as a graduate assistant at North Carolina, and then worked in Gainesville under Urban Meyerand Will Muschampas a GA in 2010-11.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.