TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Although University of Alabama coach Nick Saban could potentially have one former assistant replace another as Florida’s head coach, he hasn’t recently talked to Jim McElwain.

“I talk to Mac on occasion, he’s had a great year, he’s done a great job and we wish the best for him with whatever happens for him,” Saban said during a press conference Wednesday evening. “I certainly hope these things work out and it’s great for his family. I’m sure he’ll do a great job if he ends up taking a different job.”

McElwain, Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2008-11, spent the past two days meeting with Florida officials at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Will Muschamp, a former assistant for Saban at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins, was fired last month.

Although he has a $7.5 million buyout of his contract, Florida may not be the only school interested in McElwain, who has gone 22-16 while turning the Rams around these last three years.

He’s led Colorado State to a 10-2 record this fall, and it ranks 13th in the nation in total offense by averaging 498 yards per game. While former Alabama running back Dee Hart has tallied 187 carries for 1,254 yards and 16 touchdowns Garrett Grayson leads the nation in passer efficiency while wide receiver Rashard Higgins is first in receiving yards (149.1) and touchdowns (17).

Higgins is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award for best receiver along with Alabama’s Amari Cooper.

“He’s certainly done a fantastic job at Colorado State, but I don’t care what situation you’re in, when you have relationships someplace, and a team and players you’ve recruited, it’s not easy just to pick up and leave,” Saban said. “I’ve done that way too many times. It’s just really, really hard. I never want to do it again, to be honest with you.

“I’m sure that even though this is an outstanding opportunity for him, I’m sure it’s very difficult as well to leave a team that won 10 games, and played their heart out for you and all that kind of stuff.”