Todd Blythe knew Dan McCarney could get another promotion.

On Friday, the former ISU coach got that opportunity, accepting a coaching position at the University of Florida.

“I’m excited for him,” said Blythe, a former Cyclone wide receiver under McCarney. “I think he definitely deserves it. The time that I spent with him for four years, he was one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around.”

And one of the most successful. In 12 seasons at Iowa State, McCarney led the Cyclones to a school record 56 wins. Last season, he worked as a defensive line coach for South Florida, where he helped guide the Bulls to a 9-4 record, including a No. 2 ranking at one point in the season and an appearance in the 2007 Brut Sun Bowl.

“We’re thrilled,” McCarney said. “We’ve had a really good job this past year at South Florida. It was a memorable experience and a great season.”

McCarney, who would not elaborate on the specifics of his job, will head to the Gators, who finished the 2007 season with 10-4 record and an invitation to the Capital One Bowl. He said Florida coach Urban Meyer is still finalizing the rest of his staff for the 2008 season.

“Dan is a great addition to our coaching,” said Meyer in a press release issued by the school. “His experience as a head coach will be invaluable. He has a proven record as a recruiter and a development of talent, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a coach and a person.”

The decision to move cross-state came after McCarney said he turned down other coaching opportunities presented. He said the combination of Meyer and Florida’s success, including a national championship just two seasons ago, made Gainesville the perfect fit for him.

“A lot of excitement,” McCarney said. “Obviously, expectations are extremely high – as they should be, but I’m just really honored to have a chance to go in and try and bring something positive to that program.”

Despite the change in jobs, McCarney said he is not making the move to get closer to a head coaching position, but left open the possibility for a return to that role.

“I don’t look at it like that,” he said. “It’s just a tremendous opportunity, as I mentioned, and if that opportunity comes along in the future, great, but right now my whole focus is just trying to go in and be the best assistant coach I can be to Urban Meyer and see if we can bring another national championship to the University of Florida.”

Blythe thinks he can.

“I think he’s a great coach at whatever position on a team, in a program, wherever they put him in,” he said.