The coaching carousel often picks up in the month of December — and is galvanized by the persistent swirling of rumors.

A most recent one centers around Florida head coach Jim McElwain.

According to this CSNNW.com report, Oregon’s No. 1 target for its vacant head coaching position is McElwain:

“I’ve heard this name come up more than anyone else in my discussion travels. It wouldn’t be a sexy hire, but he has a strong resume that includes stints with the Oakland Raiders, Michigan State and Alabama. He has been a head coach twice, rebuilding Colorado State, and he is now doing a solid job at Florida. Three coaches I’ve spoken with had varying opinions on McElwain. One dislikes him. Another isn’t wildly impressed. Yet another thinks the world of him. Sounds about right for just about anybody. McElwain could very well succeed at Oregon, but he would be far from a slam-dunk to get the Ducks back into national title contention.”

There’s one interesting link between the UF head coach and the program up in Eugene. McElwain is from Montana, played at Eastern Washington, and started his career at EWU.

From a geographical standpoint, he’d be far closer to home up in the Northwest when compared to in Gainesville.

Oregon is a unique gig. While there’s not much of a natural recruiting base to pull from, the allure of Nike is certainly something to attract recruits. Couple that with the cutting-edge nature of the football facility, and appeal certainly exists in relation to this job.