So much for that, apparently.
A week after his name first surfaced in connection to the job, it was reported Wednesday that Todd Grantham had become the top target of the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL organization’s search for a defensive coordinator. Overnight, however, at least two reports surfaced that Grantham has opted to remain in the same job at Florida.
Source: Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is staying at the school.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 14, 2019
Source tells FootballScoop Todd Grantham is staying at Florida https://t.co/sNnVtyuq1F
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) February 14, 2019
While not specifically mentioned, it’s believed that Grantham, who made $1.4 million with the Gators in 2018 and was set to earn $1.5 million in 2019, will return to Gainesville for a second season on an enhanced contract. His 2018 salary, which made him the highest-paid assistant in UF history, was 10th nationally among FBS assistants and fifth in the SEC (second in the SEC East behind Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who is now the head coach at Colorado).
Making him attractive to the Bengals -- and to the NFL as a whole -- Grantham has extensive experience at the pro level in general and the AFC North specifically.
From 1999-2009, Grantham spent time on four NFL coaching staffs, including the Cleveland Browns as defensive coordinator (2005-07). The other stops were as defensive line coach with the Dallas Cowboys (2008-09), Houston Texans (2002-04) and Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001).
Since the last NFL stop, Grantham has served as the coordinator at Florida (2018), Mississippi State (2017), Louisville (2014-16) and Georgia (2010-13).
During his first season in Gainesville, Grantham had the Gators 21st nationally in scoring defense (20.4 points per game) and 26th total defense (339 yards per game). The year prior to Grantham’s arrival, they were 72nd (27.3 ppg) and 31st (349 ypg) in those same categories.