SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Florida Gators’ Jim McElwain
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators fans leave as seats are empty durning the fourth quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Why Gators may be disappointed . . .
The reasons fans may be disappointed in the choice to hire Jim McElwain are much more speculative than the reasons to feel good about it.
Fans around the SEC have been heard mumbling about how no one needs to worry. These fans claim McElwain will rush on 1st/2nd down and try to get a passing conversion on 3rd. This is based largely from the offense he ran at Alabama.
Two questions for these fans:
- Did you watch his Colorado State teams . . . at all?
- Did anyone ever stop his rushing attack at Alabama?
Another reason some Florida fans might be upset? The names they initially heard floating around to replace Will Muschamp certainly had more appeal.
Both Mississippi SEC coaches (Hugh Freeze and Dan Mullen) heard their names thrown around while the search for Muschamp’s replacement was ensuing. Up and comers like Clemson’s offensive coordinator Brent Venables and legends like Steve Spurrier and Bob Stoops also heard their names tossed in.
While some of these coaches were never going to leave their current station, Florida fans probably felt they would at least be able to snag one high profile coach. Jim McElwain’ successful 2014 made him a quality candidate, but he did not satisfy many Gator fans hoping for a major splash.
Next: Final Thoughts