Last month Florida coach Billy Napier announced that Gainesville native and Gator great Mike Peterson will return to the Orange and Blue as the outside linebackers coach and alumni liaison for his staff. It marks the first time in eight years the Gators have a former player listed on their coaching staff.
This will be Peterson’s second stint at UF as a staff member. He previously served on Florida’s strength and conditioning staff from 2013-2015 after he concluded his 14-year NFL career.
“It’s a dream come true,” Peterson said in a video feature. “To be back not only where I played and have a lot of fond memories, but I get a chance to be around people that watched me play and played with me. So, I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”
He said he’s “jacked” to return to Florida and wants to help the program get back to the top.
Over the past six seasons, Peterson worked as the outside linebackers coach at South Carolina and coached defensive ends in 2021. He was the lone holdover on Shane Beamer’s staff and spent seven total years under former Florida coach Will Muschamp.
Napier called Peterson a fantastic coach.
“Everyone of his profession knows and respects Mike for his ability to get his players to play well, and the relationships he has with his players,” he said. “Certainly, his pedigree as a former great not only at the university but in the National Football League.
“He’s a great teammate, and he’s invaluable because of his knowledge of this place and the things that come with the University of Florida. We’re excited about Mike and his leadership and how it will impact the team.”
Peterson played linebacker for Florida from 1995-1998 and earned First-Team All-SEC and All-America honors as a senior. The Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 36th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons there before he moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars and then finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
He now brings all of that experience to Napier’s staff.
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