Florida hires Sean Kelley as fourth ‘Voice of the Gators’ amid Mick Hubert’s retirement

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Image Credit: Alex de la Osa / UAA

After 33 years as the “Voice of the Gators,” legendary broadcaster Mick Hubert retired from his position in May, leaving a significant microphone to fill. The Florida Gators announced Wednesday that Sean Kelley will step into the role and put on the headset for the program’s signature athletic events.

Kelley, 50, is described by Florida as “a veteran broadcaster with ties to college athletics” as well as the NBA, NFL and MLB. He is departing ESPN Radio after serving as the “lead play-by-play voice on national college football” for three years.

“Florida is one of the elite of the elites with regard to intercollegiate athletics,” Kelley said in a release. “That makes it not only a destination job for anyone in our business, it makes it a destination job for those who have reached certain heights in our business.”

Previously serving as the play-by-play man at Missouri and Tulane, he transitioned form college athletics to the NBA where he led New Orleans Pelicans radio broadcasts for 14 seasons while also reporting on the New Orleans Saints.

“I am excited to have someone with Sean’s talents and experience as the new play-by-play voice of the Gators,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “This position attracted a large number of highly-qualified applicants, but Sean rose above the field early in this process.”

Kelley, like Hubert, had no prior ties to UF before linking up with the program. In taking the role, he becomes the fourth “Voice of the Gators” behind Hubert (1989-2002), David Steele (1982-89) and Otis Boggs (1940-82).

“It’s undeniable how attractive the Florida job is and how deeply humbled I am that I would even be considered, let alone chosen as the person to be a part of that and to follow a 33-year legend in Mick Hubert,” Kelley said. “The lineage of the ‘Voice of the Gators,’ it’s not only a short list but a Hall-of-Fame list. It’s daunting and exciting at the same time.”