GAINESVILLE -- Florida officially tabbed its replacement for Kirk Callahan, announcing the hiring of Virginia Tech defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to the same position Thursday evening.
Gator Nation: Help me in giving a warm welcome to defensive backs coach, Torrian Gray! Welcome home. #ChompChomp!! pic.twitter.com/SX3POROorQ
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) February 5, 2016
Gray -- a Lakeland native who was an all-conference safety for the Hokies in the mid ‘90s -- had been on staff at Virginia Tech for 10 seasons, coaching a number of All-Americans and future pros including Kyle Fuller, Kam Chancellor and Brandon Flowers.
He had the option of staying on new coach Justin Fuentes’ staff, but said Thursday that the chance for a homecoming was too good to pass up.
“This wasn’t about dollars and cents or anything,” Gray said in a statement.
“Virginia Tech made me a very generous offer to stay, but this was simply a career opportunity and chance to return home to my Florida foots that my family couldn’t pass up.”
The 41-year-old assistant has experience coaching in the NFL and is also considered a strong recruiter. With his ties to the Tampa area, Gray should immediately boost Florida’s in-state efforts -- something the program desperately needs.
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