Anthony Grant Returns to Florida as Assistant

Former Alabama men's basketball coach Anthony Grant is returning to Gainesville to rejoin Billy Donovan's staff. 

Grant will replace outgoing assistant Matt McCall, who accepted the head coaching position at Tennessee-Chattanooga.

The new job made a lot of sense for Grant, who was fired from Alabama in March. He has a close relationship with Donovan, as well as Gators assistant John Pelphrey. Grant spent 10 years as an assistant at Florida before becoming the VCU head coach in 2006.

"Pretty easy call, man. It's all about relationships," Grant told GatorZone.com. "Pretty much everyone in that office is like family to me. So this is like coming home. The way it all worked out? God has a plan."

Florida just finished its worst season (16-17) since Donovan's second year in Gainesville and put an end to a 17-year postseason streak.

“I’m looking forward to getting down there and doing what I love to do,” Grant told GatorZone.com. “I have a lot to get familiar with. I’m the new guy coming in. I know Billy and the staff were disappointed with the results last year, but there are some good pieces in place, and the roster, I feel, will be talented next season.”