Report: Locksley to join Florida coaching staff after Alabama's playoff run
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Although Jim McElwain replied, “No, no,” on Friday when asked whether he anticipated any staff changes this offseason, Florida is reportedly set to add a new assistant to its coaching staff.
According to FootballScoop.com, Alabama offensive analyst Mike Locksley has agreed to join Florida’s staff following the Crimson Tide’s playoff run.
The report doesn’t specify which role Locksley will take with the Gators – or which position/unit he’ll coach at UF – so it could be taken a number of ways. With defensive coordinator Geoff Collins off to Temple as its head coach, the Gators could be filling their vacancy on the staff with Locksley, promoting Randy Shannon to defensive coordinator and then flipping running backs coach Tim Skipper over to linebackers (as he’s coached on defense throughout the majority of his career).
Or, it could spell the departure of at least one member of Florida’s offensive staff, consisting currently of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, offensive line coach Mike Summers, tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Greg Nord, wide receivers coach Kerry Dixon and Skipper.
If McElwain’s reply Friday turns out to be truthful, then the addition of Locksley would be the only addition Florida would have room for on its coaching staff this offseason if it chose to keep everybody else. Florida doesn’t plan on announcing any additions or changes to its staff until after the Outback Bowl is completed on Monday.
When asked Friday about the job Nussmeier has done in two seasons as Florida’s offensive coordinator, McElwain came to his defense. "He's done well,” McElwain said. “Obviously, the numbers aren't there like we want, but at the same time, it's part of building the base and building the foundation and doing it the right way. That's something that we've been able to do."
In Locksley, 47, the Gators reportedly add a strong recruiter and a valuable piece to the offensive coaching staff. Prior to joining Alabama this season, Locksley served as Maryland’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2012-15. Locksley was New Mexico’s head coach from 2009-11, posting a 2-26 record. His prior coaching stops include serving as a position coach for Army, Maryland, Florida and Illinois.
Locksley was previously Florida’s running backs coach and recruiting coordinator from 2003-04.
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