The Florida Gators went into National signing day without a defensive backs coach officially named but Jim McElwain alluded that a deal was in place to finish his coaching staff.
“I think we’re down the road on that,” he said. “This is something we’re ready to do. It will happen. You guys will probably know it via Twitter or whatever before I do. But yeah, it’s ready to go.”
Hours after McElwain’s press conference Sports Illustrated’s Thayer Evans reported that McElwain would hire Virginia Tech defensive backs coach Torrian Gray — who has served in that role at Virginia Tech since 2006. Thursday, Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente confirmed that Gray had resigned his position at Va. Tech in order to return to his home state. Gray was born and raised in Lakeland before attending Virginia tech to play football in 1992. Gray was drafted No. 49 overall by t he Minnesota Vikings in 1997 and he played two seasons there before beginning his coaching career.
“This wasn’t about dollars and cents or anything else,” Gray said in a statement released by the University. Virginia Tech made me a very generous offer to stay, but this was simply a career opportunity and a chance to return home to my Florida roots that my family couldn’t pass up.
Gray will replace Kirk Callahan who served as defensive backs coach for one season before McElwain decided to move in a different direction. Gray is highly regarded on the recruiting trail and has done a great job developing talent as well. He has coached Kam Chancellor, Kyle Fuller, Corey Fuller, Brandon Flowers and Jayron Hosley, Antone Exum Jr.