Florida hires Texas Tech’s Pinkins as associate head coach

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Florida has hired former Texas Tech assistant Al Pinkins as associate head coach.

Pinkins brings 15 years of collegiate coaching experience to Gainesville, including five in the Southeastern Conference.

Pinkins replaces Armon Gates, who accepted a job at Nebraska earlier this week. The Gators and Gates parted ways after less than a month on the job.

Pinkins spent the past two seasons at Texas Tech, where he helped the Red Raiders reach the Elite Eight in March. Texas Tech beat Florida in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He also spent time at LSU (2015-16), Tennessee (2014-15), Mississippi (2011-14) and Middle Tennessee State (2003-11).

Pinkins will help Florida deal with a daunting rebuilding project this summer. The Gators lost starting guards Chris Chiozza, Egor Koulechov and potentially Jalen Hudson.

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