Dec. 31--Former Miami coach Randy Shannon is slated to become the Gators linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Shannon spent the past two seasons coaching linebackers at Arkansas. But the Miami native is best known for his four seasons (2007-10) as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, where he had been a starting outside linebacker for the 1987 national title team.
The Hurricanes were unable to return to their glory years under Shannon, who was 28-22 during his time in Coral Gables. The Canes' recruiting classes, though, consistently ranked among the nation's best and mined much of the top talent in South Florida.
UM signed the nation's No. 2 class in 2008, according to the rankings of 247Sports, and were among the top 20 classes every season under Shannon.
Prior to becoming head coach, Shannon spent six seasons as the Hurricanes defensive coordinator and was considered among the nation's best. When the Canes won the 2001 national title Shannon won the Broyles Award, given annually to the best assistant coach in college football.
The possibility of Shannon's hiring has been percolating for some time, but was first reported Wednesday morning on Twitter by @Brody_IAKOW, a contributor to FoxSports.
Shannnon is the first position coach hired by new UF coach Jim McElwain. McElwain has hired Geoff Collins as defensive coordinator and Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator.
Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Read the Swamp Things blog at www.orlandosentinel.com/swampthings. Follow our UF coverage on Twitter @osgators.
