In an interesting move, the Gators announced on Tuesday that former Auburn AD Jay Jacobs is joining the Florida athletic department.

Jacobs comes to Florida after spending the previous 13 years on The Plains. Jacobs addition comes after Mike Hill left Gainesville to take over the Charlotte AD position. Jacobs was named the 2017 NACDA/Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year and one of five finalists for 2017 Sports Business Journal Athletics Director of the Year award.

Following the news, Florida AD Scott Stricklin welcomed his new colleague with the following prepared statement:

“Florida Athletics is fortunate to have someone of Jay’s caliber joining the UAA. His character, vision, experience and ability to connect with people will be tremendous assets to our department. Additionally, having served in a leadership role in the SEC, Jay understands the great privilege and responsibility we have as a member of this wonderful conference. It’s exciting to have Jay joining the Gators.”

Jacobs contributed the following comments in addition to Stricklin’s:

“Some people are fortunate to say they are coming home once in their careers, now I am lucky enough to say it twice. Having attended high school in Jacksonville, I’m honored and privileged to join the UAA and continue to work in the nation’s best conference in the SEC. I am looking forward to working with Scott Stricklin and the rest of the staff to help serve the Gator student-athletes, coaches and fans of the Gator Nation.”