Florida adds Corey Bell after DBs coach Torrian Gray leaves for NFL

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Just like Dan Quinn a couple years ago, defensive backs coach Torrian Gray has parlayed his success with the Florida Gators into an NFL job.

Gray has decided to leave Florida to take over the same position with Washington, two sources close to the program confirmed to OnlyGators.com. 247Sports’ Thomas Goldkamp first reported the move.

The Gators have hired Corey Bell seemingly to replace Gray, the school announced Saturday. Bell previously served as director of football operations under current UF defensive coordinator Randy Shannon and was hired by South Florida on Jan. 11 to coach its defensive backs and serve as recruiting coordinator.

He was a two-year defensive back at South Carolina and began his coaching career as head coach of two Miami high schools. After leaving the Hurricanes, where he worked from 2007-10, Bell coached defensive backs at Florida Atlantic.

“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,” Bell said in a release. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Mac and I’m looking forward to working with a great group of players and staff.”

Bell’s specific position on the coaching staff has not been announced at this time. 

This coaching change comes after the Gators stunned many on National Signing Day by pulling together a talented class of secondary players including four-stars Brad Edwards and Christopher Henderson.

Gray marks the third staff opening head coach Jim McElwain has been tasked with filling this offseason. Florida hired running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider on Friday and also has an opening for an offensive line coach. Tim Skipper is expected to remain on staff and coach linebackers.