Spurrier finds new job as Florida ambassador, consultant

Steve Spurrier is returning to The Swamp.

Florida announced Friday that its former ball coach will serve as an ambassador and consultant for the athletic department, reuniting the school with the man who led the Gators to the 1996 national championship, and from 1990-2001 overall.

"It's a great day for the Gator Nation to be able to welcome Coach Spurrier back home," athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement. "He has served as a tremendous ambassador to the University and the athletic department for 50-plus years and it's only fitting that at this point in his career, he is back in Gainesville. Being a Gator has always meant so much to Coach Spurrier, but it means just as much to us have him come home."

Thanks to his success on the gridiron and his everlasting rambunctiousness off of it, Spurrier became a household name in the 1990s while at the helm of the Gators. He compiled a 122-27-1 record over 12 seasons in Gainesville, and captured six conference championships in addition to the one national title.

Spurrier left Florida after the 2001 campaign to pursue the Washington Redskins' job, but found himself back in the NCAA by 2005, when he took over at South Carolina. He held the Gamecocks' job for 10-plus years, resigning midway through the 2015 season with an overall record of 86-49.

"My wife, Jerri, and I are extremely thrilled to be returning home to our alma mater, and to Gainesville where we met on campus over 50 years ago," said Spurrier. "I'm very appreciative to athletic director Jeremy Foley, head coach Jim McElwain, and Phil Pharr of Gator Boosters for their role in making this happen."

In June, Florida announced it was renaming its home field in honor of Spurrier, who also played quarterback for the Gators in the 1960s.