On Saturday it was reported that Florida Gators defensive backs coach Torrian Gray was leaving Florida after just one season to become the Washington Redskins defensive backs coach.
Shortly after that news broke it was reported that Jim McElwain would be replacing Gray with South Florida defensive backs coach Corey Bell. McElwain also added former ECU offensive line coach Brad Davis to the staff. Both were added as “assistant coaches” and not given a positional group distinction as of publishing.
“We are excited to have Corey and Brad join our staff. Corey has played in the SEC and has deep roots in the state of Florida,” Jim McElwain said in a release. “Brad also has strong relationship in our recruiting areas and has won championships as a player. Both are good teachers who will help our players be successful on the field and beyond their playing days.”
Bell, 45, spent the last two seasons at Florida Atlantic before he was hired to Charlie Strong’s inaugural staff at South Florida in January. A Miami native Bell began his coaching career at his alma mater, Miami Edison High School. He was just 25 years old when he was named Edison’s head coach in 1997. Bell spent 10 years as the head coach of Edison before moving to the University of Miami as their director of football operations; serving at UM during the same time Randy Shannon was head coach. Bell also has ties to Chris Rumph. The two of them played at South Carolina
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the Gator football family and being part of one of the most powerful brands in all of college athletics,” said Bell. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Mac and I’m looking forward to working with a great group of players and staff.”
Davis spent the last two years at ECU and North Texas, where he served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator during both stops. Davis is a graduate of Oklahoma, where he played offensive line for the Sooners. Davis won two Big XII championships and a National Championship in 2000.
“I can’t wait to get to Florida and get right to work. I can’t wait to meet the players, spend time with them and help them achieve their goals. I’m also looking forward to bringing kids in who have values that fit the goals this championship-level program.”