Reports have surfaced that Florida, which was the first major name program to dismiss its football coach this year, may be the first to find a replacement. According to several sources, the Gators are trying to come to contract terms with Colorado State’s Jim McElwain to fill their head coaching vacancy.
Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley, along with other program representatives, met with McElwain and his wife at their home in Fort Collins, Colorado last night. It is believed that the two sides had their first conversation about the job opening last Saturday.
Jim McElwain just completed his third season with Colorado State, leading the Rams to a 10-2 record. He is 22-16 overall during his tenure. He also brings SEC experience to the table, having been the offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2008 through 2011, before leaving for Colorado State. His Rams team is currently third in the nation in passing efficiency and seventh in overall passing offense.
The Gators are looking to replace Will Muschamp, who was dismissed in mid-November, during his fourth season at the helm. It was believed Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze was a top priority for the Florida coaching search, but Freeze signed a contract extension with the Rebels over the weekend.
McElwain’s contract has a $7 million buyout clause if he leaves his Colorado State job before the contract expires.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @TonyBruin. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo Credit:
