Geoff Collins leaving Mississippi State for Florida
Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins will leave to take the same position at Florida, FootballScoop learned on Tuesday morning. Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated first reported the move, and ESPN's Joe Schad reported he will receive a three-year contract.
Dubbed the "Minister of Mayhem," Collins helped Mississippi State to a 10-2 mark this year. The Bulldogs ranked 13th nationally (and second in the SEC) in third down defense, first in red zone defense, tied for first in red zone touchdown percentage allowed and 10th in scoring defense. Mississippi State also ranked 63rd nationally in yards per play allowed, and placed 58th in 2013.
Collins served as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator in 2011-12 before his promotion to defensive coordinator prior to the 2013 season. He spent the 2010 season as defensive coordinator at Florida International, and two years as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Central Florida before that. Collins was a member of Nick Saban's original staff at Alabama, serving as director of player personnel in 2007.
As for Florida's incumbent defensive coordinator, we have been told that Jeremy Foley expressed to Jim McElwain he would like D.J. Durkin to remain on staff. While this remains an option, we have been told Durkin has a number of options on the table at this time.
As always, check The Scoop for the latest.
