Bedford next Louisville defensive coordinator

Rivals/Yahoo! reporter Tom Dienhart mentioned via twitter (@TomDienhart) that Florida Gators cornerbacks coach Vance Bedford has been hired by Louisville Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong to be the team’s new defensive coordinator. After speaking with Strong, Florida Today has confirmed this report. Early Friday morning, the Associated Press confirmed it yet again, reporting that Bedford will coach the Sugar Bowl then immediately head to Louisville with Strong.

On Dec. 14, Bedford told the Orlando Sentinel he was staying put in Gainesville, FL, and concentrating on recruiting the incoming 2010 class. “I’m a Gator,” Bedford said when asked if Strong had contacted him to be a member of his new staff. “I’m trying to do everything I can to recruit well. I’m trying to get to Dade County.” Bedford, a former defensive coordinator with the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 2005-06 and defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears from 1999-2004, said at the time that he had neither been contacted by Strong nor any other coach about a promotion and had only been working on recruiting. Strong also told the press on numerous occasions that he would not be hiring coaches from Florida’s staff as not to raid the program.

Since falling in the 2009 Southeastern Conference Championship, the Gators have lost their defensive coordinator, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator (Billy Gonzales), cornerbacks coach and No. 1 commitment (safety Matt Elam) while also having to deal with the in-limbo status of head coach Urban Meyer. Florida will have at least three new assistants in 2010.