Florida names Steve Spurrier ambassador, consultant for Gators

Former football coach returns home to school he led to national championship

Steve Spurrier is returning to the University of Florida as an ambassador and consultant for the school's athletic department.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. ā€“ The University of Florida has named former coach Steve Spurrier an ambassador and consultant for the school's athletic department.

Athletic director Jeremy Foley made the announcement Friday, welcoming Spurrier "back home."

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Spurrier led the Gators to a 127-22-1 record, seven Southeastern Conference championships and a national championship in 12 seasons at Florida from 1990-2001. He left to coach the NFL's Washington Redskins for two seasons before returning to the SEC as head coach at South Carolina.

"It's only fitting that at this point in his career he is back in Gainesville," Foley said.

Spurrier stepped down as South Carolina's coach last season, but stopped short of saying he planned to retire. He has a home in Crescent Beach, about an hour's drive from Gainesville.

The Gators previously announced that the football field will be named after Spurrier, calling it Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.