It’s been a rather tumultuous week for the Florida Gators in the lead up to a rivalry game against Georgia in Jacksonville.
On Monday, Jim McElwain made the now infamous comments about his players and family members receiving death threats. Later, after talking with McElwain, the UAA released a statement that did anything but support the head coach’s claims.
Of course, this allowed many to speculate that McElwain must have either fabricated the story or at the very least, embellished it.
This led to numerous stories on the tenuous relationship between McElwain and the administration.
On gameday, a report came out stating that McElwain and his agent, Jimmy Sexton were working on a buyout between the two parties. UF athletic director Scott Stricklin released a statement just hours before kickoff claiming the report false.
During the third quarter of the game, ESPN’s Edward Aschoff dropped a bombshell report that the UF administration was discussing whether they could fire McElwain with cause (which would allow Florida to not be on the hook for a reported $12+ million buyout).
And, just hours after Florida’s embarrassing 42-7 loss, Barstool-Florida reports (via sources) that a decision has been made.
BREAKING: Sources close to the team have confirmed that the decision to fire Jim Mcelwain has been made. Announcement sometime this week.
— Barstool Florida (@UFBarstool) October 28, 2017
McElwain has led the Gators to a 22-12 record and two SEC East titles, but he hasn’t been able to improve an offense that is nothing short of anemic.
It appears that Jim McElwain’s time at Florida has come to an end. While much is to be discussed about the buyout and whether McElwain will be fired with cause or not, Florida will be searching for a new coach for the third time since 2010.
UPDATE:
Official statement from the UAA regarding the “mutual agreement” between McElwain and the school.
Jim McElwain and the University Athletic Association have mutually agreed to part ways, Athletic Director Scott Stricklinannounced Sunday.
Randy Shannon will serve as interim coach throughout the remainder of the season.
“We want to thank Coach McElwain for his efforts in leading the Gator football program,” said Stricklin. “We are confident Coach Shannon will provide the proper guidance to the players and rest of staff during this time and we will begin a national search for the next head coach.”
The two parties are currently negotiating terms of separation.
Jim McElwain finished 22-12 during his two-plus seasons as head coach and was hired as the 25th head coach in UF history on Dec. 4, 2014.
McElwain won 22 games and two Southeastern Conference Eastern Division titles (2015, 2016) during his tenure at the University of Florida. Florida’s highest AP Poll ranking under McElwain was No. 8, a mark the Gators reached after their win over Missouri in 2015.
Florida is 3-4 in 2017.
Randy Shannon has been named the interim head coach of the Florida Football program following a three-year stint on McElwain’s staff as an Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and Linebackers Coach.
Shannon has over 25 years of coaching experience, serving as the head coach for the University of Miami from 2007-10 (28-22).. During his career as a player and coach, Shannon has been a part of three national championship teams.
In his time at Florida, Shannon’s defenses have consistently ranked in the top-10 nationally. During his coaching career, he has tutored 59 players who have been selected in the NFL draft.