Newly hired Florida head coach Jim McElwain is on his way to Gainesville, Fla., to take on a Gator football program looking to return back to the top of the SEC.
The former Colorado State head coach gave some thoughts on his huge coaching move for the first time Thursday evening in a statement released by the University of Florida.
RELATED: Florida Gators release statement on Jim McElwain hire
“It’s an honor to be a part of the one of most powerful brands in college athletics in the Florida Gators,” McElwain said in a press release. “I’m humbled, yet very excited about the tremendous opportunity that Dr. Machen and Jeremy Foley have afforded me and my family. I can’t tell you how eager I am to get to Gainesville to set a course for who we are going to be and what we will be all about.”
CSU players, including Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year Garrett Grayson, have spoken out in support of McElwain and his move down to Gainesville.
RELATED: Twitter reacts to Jim McElwain becoming Florida’s next head coach
CSU QB Garrett Grayson has some kind words for McElwain & not kind ones for the haters. #Gators pic.twitter.com/F6rT74oNVk
— Kassidy Hill (@KassidyGHill) December 4, 2014
Congrats To Coach Mac, I Hope The Best For Him At Florida, But The Rams Will Still Be Successful. Let’s Go Bowling pic.twitter.com/RGQTyUGB9J — Trenton Matthews (@Tmatthews16) December 4, 2014
Thank you @CoachMcElwain for the opportunity and the rebirth of CSU Football. Life is all about opportunities, but the climb WILL continue.
— jordan white (@jaaydubbb) December 4, 2014
Can’t say no to a dream job! Congrats @CoachMcElwain I know great things will be done at Florida! — Blake Nowland (@bnowland52) December 4, 2014
McElwain also took some time to extend his gratitude to Colorado State via Twitter for the opportunity he had in Fort Collins, Colo., over the last three years.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Ram Nation for all you’ve done for me. I’ve met some truly amazing & loyal fans here. (1/3)
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) December 4, 2014
I am so proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished. They believed in #TheClimb and have set a standard for the future of @CSUFootball.
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) December 4, 2014
I am excited and honored to be the head football coach for the University of Florida, but will carry the Rams with me forever. (3/3)
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) December 4, 2014
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
