A former Mississippi State linebacker will reunite with Dan Mullen.

Jamar Chaney, who earned All-SEC recognition at Mississippi State and played in the NFL from 2010-14, has announced he’s stepping down as head coach of St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Fla.) to take an off-field position on the UF staff.

“When I got done playing, I always wanted to coach in high school and make an impact in a young man’s life before they get in the real world,” Chaney told Jon Santucci of Treasure Coast Newspapers. “This all happened fast. I didn’t try to pursue this until after this year, but I always knew I wanted to go the next level and try to advance, whether college or NFL. I played for (Florida coach) Dan Mullen at Mississippi State and I know six of the people on the coaching staff. It’s a good fit.

“It was tough (to leave Centennial) because of the relationships I have with those kids and the coaching staff, too. We’re really, really tight and the relationships that I’ve built with administration, the community and parents. It’s really close. That’s the toughest part.”

Gators Territory reports that Chaney’s position on the Florida staff will be “similar to assistant director of player personnel and development.”

Chaney was 11-8-1 in two seasons coaching his alma mater. In 2018, Centennial played in its first playoff game since 2011.