Former ISU football coach Dan McCarney has been hired as a member of the defensive coaching staff by the Florida Gators. McCarney, who spent last season with South Florida, confirmed the move when reached by his phone Friday afternoon.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity,” McCarney said in a telephone interview with the Iowa State Daily. “For our family, we’re really looking forward to it.”

McCarney, who spent 12 seasons with Iowa State, led the Cyclones to two bowl game wins, and a school record 56 victories. He spent last season as the defensive line coach for the South Florida Bulls where he helped guide the Bulls to a 9-4 record, including a No. 2 ranking and a appearance in the 2007 Brut Sun Bowl.

“Dan is a great addition to our coaching staff,” said Florida coach Urban Meyer in a press release. “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 press release nor McCarney would clarify his exact role on the team. Either way, McCarney said he’s just happy to be a part of the Gator football program, which won a national championship just two seasons ago in 2007.

“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.”