Birmingham, AL -
Tulsa native, Arkansas offensive coordinator and former Oklahoma quarterback Garrick McGee has been named new head coach at Alabama-Birmingham.
The Blazers announced the hire Saturday.
McGee takes over for Neil Callaway, who resigned last week after a 3-9 record in 2011 and an 18-42 overall record in five seasons.
McGee graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1991, played at Arizona State in 1991 and 1992, NEO in 1993 and finished his playing career at Oklahoma, where he is 10th on the Sooners' all-time career passing yardage list.
He began his coaching career as an assistant at Langston in 1996, coached at Northern Iowa and also had a stop in the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McGee was the first African-American offensive or defense coordinator in Arkansas football history and spent two seasons as the Razorbacks' quarterbacks coach before being named offensive coordinator in December 2009.
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino congratulated McGee on his first head coaching gig.
"I have enjoyed watching Garrick progress throughout his career and I am excited to see him get this opportunity," Petrino said. "Garrick has been with me as a player and an assistant coach and I thank him for being a big part of everything we have been able to build here at Arkansas. The guidance he has provided our offense and quarterbacks the past four seasons has been immeasurable."
"Garrick grew up the son of a coach and is a natural teacher and leader," Petrino added. "He will have a solid plan for the football program at UAB and the dedication to carry it out. Garrick, Tiffany and the entire McGee family leave with my gratitude for a job well done with the Razorbacks, and best wishes for continued success at UAB."
McGee was the offensive coordinator at Northwestern University for four seasons prior to joining the Arkansas staff. He was in the running for the vacancies at Tulsa and Connecticut following last season.
