On if this is an awkward time

You’re around coahing long enough to go through different changes … unfortunately it’s part of the job. Everyone involved is professional about it and you understand either side of things as they go down. You just have to handle it the right way.

On if he’s accepted a Texas A&M DC job

I have not accepted any sort of job anywhere, here or anywhere else, other than the job as interim head coach for the bowl game …

On Dante Fowler at the next level

It’s not often you get a great player that is so willing to be coached … he played his best football this year. He’s got unbelievable ability. For a guy his size … he’s very versatile. You flip on a tape from someone evaluating him at the next level, anything you may want him to do in the scheme you run at your franchise, you can seen him do on tape because he’s done it.

On challenges of keeping guys motivated during a coaching change

You sit in a room with 105 guys, everyone has a little different motivation. But as long as you have motivation, you’re alright … be a guy that’s motivated to go practice, that’s motivated to go play. Our guys will do that. We have good leadership, I know things didn’t go right all the time, but no one can say we didn’t go out and compete hard …

On UF secondary against ECU WR Justin Hardy

His stats speak for themselves … he’s got an incredible reception radius. He can catch the ball anywhere near him. He’s extremely quick and he’s hard to cover in the slot … and he creates plays after the catch, too. Our DBs definitely have improved. We played a lot of young guys and we knew we’d have some lumps early on. We knew those guys are really talented and they’ve shown that. Again, I think it’s a great matchup both ways …

On if he’s spoken with Jim McElwain about the coaching staff

He and I have had conversations. I believe he’s had conversations with everyone on the stuff. Those things will be announced or will come to light when the time is right.

On tight end Jake McGee applying for a medical hardship

He’s trying to do that. we’re trying to get him another year. I totally believe he deserves it and that should work out for him. But we don’t know the answer to that yet.