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Florida officially retains fan and recruiting favorite among its coaches

Big move.

Ja'Juan Seider, who served as Florida's running backs coach under former head coach Jim McElwain, is apparently being retained by new coach Dan Mullen, according to multiple reports.

Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun noted that Seider's name was added to the list of coaches on Mullen's staff on the school's website on Thursday.

The Sun's Graham Hall also confirmed that the program finalized a new deal for Seider hours later.

Seider, a Belle Glade native, joined the Gators last offseason after spending four seasons at West Virginia, his alma matter.

Florida's running backs were a bright spot in 2017, despite the offense's overall regression. The Gators recorded more than 200 rushing yards three times, as well as more than 150 yards seven times.

Seider has also won over fans, current players and prospects during his time in Gainesville, including quarterback Feleipe Franks.

"The way he carries himself. His swag," Franks told SEC Country in November. "He can relate to the running backs. They love him, the whole team, we really love Coach Seider."

Four-star running back Dameon Pierce also shared his strong sentiments for the coach with the website.

"If Coach Seider would have been one of the coaches to leave with Coach Mac, I probably would have de-committed honestly," Pierce said. "Me and Coach Seider have a great relationship between each other.

That's as good of an endorsement to keep your job as any other.