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Florida has promoted Randy Shannon to defensive coordinator to replace Geoff Collins. Shannon had previously served as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.

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Florida’s defense has taken some hits over the past month, with coordinator Geoff Collins leaving for the Temple head coaching position and a few key players deciding to leave school early for the NFL Draft.

The good news for the Gators is that there will be a familiar face serving as the new defensive coordinator in Randy Shannon, who was promoted to the position by head coach Jim McElwain.

Shannon had spent the last two seasons as both linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator under Collins, and served as play-caller in the Gators 30-3 victory over Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Florida held the Hawkeyes to 226 total yards in the rout, including a mere 55 yards through the air as they intercept C.J. Beathard three times.

“Coach Shannon has been a big part of our success over the last two years,” McElwain said. “It’s been really cool to watch him handle his business. He really connects with our players and they have a lot of respect for him. More than being a great coach, he is a great mentor and teacher to these young men and that is one of our greatest measuring sticks as coaches.”

Shannon has been a defensive coordinator at two previous stops, first with the Miami Dolphins in 1998-99 and then at his alma mater Miami from 2001-06.

“I appreciate the opportunity Coach Mac has given me to be the defensive coordinator at the University of Florida,” Shannon said. “We will continue to work together as we have the past two years to put together a plan so our players are in a position to be successful in football and in life.”

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