Florida hires Mississippi State's Geoff Collins as DC

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – New Florida coach Jim McElwain has made his first official hire.

McElwain named Mississippi State’s Geoff Collins his defensive coordinator Tuesday. Collins replaces D.J. Durkin, who will serve as Florida’s interim head coach for the Birmingham Bowl.

McElwain says “it was important to maintain some of the same philosophies and concepts that have made the defenses around here successful with this hire, and our players will continue to progress under his direction.”

Collins turned Mississippi State into one of the nation’s top defenses. The Bulldogs rank 10th in scoring defense, allowing 19.4 points a game.

Prior to his stint at Mississippi State, Collins was defensive coordinator at Florida International (2010) and served as Central Florida’s linebackers coach (2008-09). In 2007, Collins was Nick Saban’s director of player personnel at Alabama.

Local Headlines

4 endangered Florida panther deaths in April bring 2024 total to 11

Two more endangered Florida panthers were discovered dead by wildlife officials after the animals were struck by vehicles in Collier and Hendry counties.

Cape Coral mayor provides update on FEMA flood insurance

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter says he and Lee County officials are asking for more time before FEMA removes the flood insurance discount for residents.

Wildfire on Alico Road now 95% contained

The nearly 11-acre wildfire near Alico Road in Fort Myers continues to burn as crews battle to contain it.

Lee Health launches new MyChart accessibility for Spanish speakers

Lee Health announced on Tuesday that it has launched a Spanish-language version of the digital patient portal MyChart.

Gov. DeSantis signs bill to enhance Florida education

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation supporting education for working students who are in school, military training or in some form classical education.