College Football

Chris Leak to take over as Gators WR coach

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida wide receivers coach Joker Phillips has resigned his position with the UF football program and Chris Leak will assume the wide receiver coaching responsibilities immediately for the 2014 season, head coach Will Muschamp announced on Wednesday.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity that the University of Florida and Will Muschamp provided to me and my family, but at this time I have decided to step down from my position on the UF coaching staff for personal reasons," said Phillips.

"I appreciate Joker's contributions to our program and wish him and his wife, Leslie, nothing but the best in the future," said Coach Muschamp.

Phillips, a 26-year coaching veteran, joined the Florida staff in December of 2012 and spent one season coaching Florida's wide receivers. Prior to Florida, Phillips was the head coach at Kentucky for three years (2010-12).

Leak, the captain of UF's 2006 National Championship team, ended his career as the school's all-time leading passer in (11,213 yards, 895 completions and 1,458 attempts) and joined the football staff in May of 2013. He served as a graduate assistant during the 2103 season.

"Chris is a bright young coach," said Muschamp. "He is one of the all-time Gator greats and being at Florida is very important to him. He has been working with Coach Roper and our offensive staff and is very familiar with our players and new system."

"I appreciate the opportunity that Coach Muschamp has given me and my family," said Leak. "It's an honor to be coaching at my alma mater where I have so many fond memories both on and off the field. We have a tremendous coaching staff, a great group of players and a support system in place and I'm excited to be a part of it."