Is Jim McElwain Finished at Florida?
Jim McElwain has won consecutive SEC Eastern Division titles, yet he might lose his job before the 2017 football season concludes.
Even if Florida dethrones Georgia this afternoon in Jacksonville, Forbes writer and Florida alumnus Darren Heitner reports McElwain will soon be terminated.
"Boosters have been called to pool $ in anticipation that Gators will soon be hiring new head football coach. Gators AD has statement already drafted no matter the outcome of UGA game. Agent Jimmy Sexton & UF have been trying to work out Coach Mac buyout, but are 'miles apart.' Still working hard on it."Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin issued a statement in response to the report.
If boosters are in fact pooling their money together, they'll need $12.5 million to get rid of McElwain. You can understand why it might be worth it after this week's antics.
During his weekly press conference, the head coach referenced "death threats to your families" for Florida's 3-3 start. Naturally, reporters questioned that statement. McElwain opted not to elaborate. That's understandable. What doesn't make sense is that he refused to provide any of the details to his employers. Florida distanced themselves from McElwain in this statement:
“The University Athletic Association takes the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and families very seriously. Our administration met with Coach McElwain this afternoon and he offered no additional details.”
Did McElwain fabricate death threats to cool down his hot seat? We'll never know for certain, but if that was the intention, it had the opposite effect. Whatever happens next in this strange saga should be entertaining. Don't forget to bring popcorn.
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