A nine-year veteran of the NFL, Ernie Mills joins the JU coaching staff as he reunites with college teammate Kerwin Bell.

Another former Gator star, Mills was a four-year letterwinner at Florida from 1986-90, graduating with a degree in exercise and sports science.

Following his collegiate career, Mills was drafted with the 73rd overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and made a name for himself as a wide receiver - playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1991-96, helping lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl.

"Ernie is a great person and will be a great coach with all of the things that he can teach these young guys," said head coach Kerwin Bell. "Ernie's competitive fire and desire is a tremendous asset and he will make a great coach and example for our program."

After spending his final three seasons in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, Mills began his coaching career - starting as an intern wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins.

Following that experience, Mills was named wide receivers coach at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina - producing an all-conference receiver in his only season.

He then took a job at Phillip O'Berry Academy in Charlotte, N.C., as the assistant head coach as well as defense and special teams coordinator.

His three years in Charlotte helped establish an excellent football program at the new school before Bell called him back to the Sunshine State.

Mills is single and resides in Jacksonville.