A source from within the Colorado State football team has informed Campus Sports that head coach Jim McElwain has accepted the position as head coach at the University of Florida. Reports Tuesday stated that McElwain had met with Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley in Colorado and an emergency meeting was held that evening between McElwain and his current Rams team.
During that meeting, McElwain informed his team that he would be leaving the university in order to pursue a job with the SEC powerhouse. McElwain has been a hot commodity on the job market fresh off of being named the Mountain West Conference’s Coach of the Year Tuesday. In just his third year with the program, McElwain led the Rams to a 10-2 record raising his career mark to 22-16.
The Gators had struck out on several higher profile coaches and McElwain, who sevred as the Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2008 to 2011, had the experience necessary to persuade the Gators athletic department that he would be an elite hire. McElwain proved his value by constructing the Rams offense into one of the nation’s best averaging 498 yards per game- a major upgrade over the previously horrific Gators attack- while also helping quarterback Garrett Grayson become one of the country’s most efficient passers.
Just a few weeks ago, Florida fired Will Muschamp after a 6-5 finish and overall lack of direction. Despite several strong recruiting classes, Muschamp was unable to maintain stability within the programming leading to his dismissal. Many feel McElwain has bright future with the program and has all the necessary skills to rebuild the program into a national powerhouse. Still, McElwain’s results will be determined on the field and that begins by winning football games.
*Section Photo credit to Doug Pensinger, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Ron Chenoy, USA Today Sports
