C.J. Gish
The University Athletic Association (UAA) announced the new “Voice of the Gators” on Wednesday.
Sean Kelley will be just the fourth person to hold the position since 1940, taking over for Mick Hubert, who retired in May after calling more than 2,500 UF contests since 1989, according to a UAA press release.
“Florida is one of the elite of the elites with regard to intercollegiate athletics,” said Kelley in the release. “That makes it not only a destination job for anyone in our business, it makes it a destination job for those who have reached certain heights in our business.
“With the two new head coaches I’ll be working with, there’s an excitement level at Florida that is unapparelled in the country with Billy Napier and Todd Golden. And then the tradition of success at that university. It’s undeniable how attractive the Florida job is and how deeply humbled I am that I would even be considered, let alone chosen as the person to be a part of that and to follow a 33-year legend in Mick Hubert. The lineage of the ‘Voice of the Gators,’ not only is it a short list, but it’s a Hall-of-Fame list.”
Kelley has over 20 years of professional experience, which includes the last three years at ESPN Radio as the lead play-by-play voice for college football. He’s also provided commentary on national radio broadcasts for the NFL, NBA, MLB and college basketball.
“I am excited to have someone with Sean’s talents and experience as the new play-by-play voice of the Gators,” said UF athletic director Scott Stricklin in the release. “This position attracted a large number of highly-qualified applicants, but Sean rose above the field early on in this process.”
From 2005-19, Kelley was the voice of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2005-19 (previously New Orleans Hornets), where he oversaw all aspects of the Pelicans Radio Network including client and affiliate relations.
“Voice of the Gators” lineage:
Otis Boggs: 1940-82
David Steele: 1982-89
Mick Hubert: 1989-2022