The newest member of the Florida Gator coaching staff jumped at the chance to return home, as former lineman Reggie McGrew has joined Jim McElwain’s staff as a strength and conditioning coach.

A defensive lineman from 1995-98 and the 24th overall selection in the 1999 NFL Draft, McGrew has been working as a personal coach and mentor to prep players following his NFL career. Via the school’s official website, McElwain was pleased to announce the return of a former star player.

“He’s just an all-time great who wanted to get back involved and we’re excited to give him that opportunity. That’s really important to us,” McElwain said. “He’ll be a big part of what we’re doing.”

McGrew was drawn to the position knowing he wouldn’t have to often be out on the road traveling with the team and recruiting prospects from around the nation.

“I always said I didn’t want to coach because I knew he was always gone a lot,” McGrew said. “With this opportunity, it’s a little bit different. It’s not full-blown coaching and recruiting. I just felt like it was a wonderful opportunity to get back to the university.”

17 years removed from his final game in a Gator uniform, McGrew will once again work with the football program in its efforts to recapture the former glory the school won during his initial tenure in Gainesville.