SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Florida Gators’ Jim McElwain
Apr 11, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain talks with defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) during the second half at the Orange and Blue Debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Orange defeated Blue 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Why it was a good hire . . .
The defense was never a problem under Will Muschamp. Three unsuccessful offensive coordinators in a four year span, however, doomed “Coach Boom.” Jim McElwain has never had a problem fielding a successful offense.
Jim McElwain produced four top-10 offenses at Alabama (8th, 1st, 2nd, 1st) while defense was still king in the SEC. McElwain’s offenses at Alabama were marked by efficient quarterback play and a dominant rushing attack. He coached Mark Ingram to a Heisman Trophy and he boasted a three headed backfield of Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie Lacy in 2010.
McElwain struggled at Colorado State in his first season, going 4-8. He stuck to his guns, though, and improved to 8-6 in year two and 10-2 in year three.
Year three’s offense at Colorado State produced the nation’s No. 13 yards per game offense, second most efficient quarterback in the nation in Garrett Grayson, and the top receiver by yards per game and touchdowns in Rashard Higgins. Having coached both a dominant rushing attack and potent passing game at his previous two stops, McElwain has shown he can guide an offense to its maximum potential based on talent.
The proverbial cherry on top is McElwain heavily recruited the state of Florida while at Alabama.
Next: Was This a Bad Hire?