With Geoff Collins accepting the head-coaching job at Temple, the Gators are currently in the hunt for a new defensive coordinator. However, they could very well go in-house for an option, as many consider co-defensive coordinator/associate head coach/linebackers coach Randy Shannon right now to be the obvious favorite for the position.

During his Tuesday press conference, Jim McElwain said that Florida “has got some things already in the works” and mentioned that the Gators prepared for the potential scenario of Collins leaving. When asked by a reporter whether Shannon would be considered for the job, McElwain replied, “Absolutely.”

On Thursday, the Gainesville Sun reported that Shannon would serve as Florida’s defensive coordinator in the Outback Bowl against Iowa.

Now, Inside the Gators takes a look at a number of reasons why Shannon being promoted to defensive coordinator long-term would make sense.

1. Promoting Shannon would allow the Gators to maintain some continuity on the defensive side of the ball.

As a co-defensive coordinator, Shannon played a key role in the Gators' defensive game plans and schemes on a weekly basis - and his presence alongside Collins has been a big reason why Florida's defense has ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense each of the past two seasons.

However, Florida is set to lose a number of starters on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Linebacker Jarrad Davis, defensive tackle Joey Ivie, safety Marcus Maye, defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. and even linebacker Daniel McMillian will be graduating, while defensive tackle Caleb Brantley and cornerbacks Jalen "Teez" Tabor and Quincy Wilson are considered highly likely to declare early. That's not even including linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive back Duke Dawson, who are both still mulling their options.