The University of Florida and Jim McElwain have decided to move on from one another, according to a report by FootballScoop.
Following the events leading up to Saturday’s blowout loss to Georgia, multiple reports suggested that McElwain may have given Florida an out to fire him without paying his buyout after his “death threat” comments last week.
Matt Hayes earlier last week reported that McElwain’s comments were merely latest reason to start the clock on an exit. It was also reported in the fourth quarter Saturday by ESPN that Florida was exploring firing McElwain and not having to pay his $12 million buyout.
That, however, may get really messy.
Last Monday, McElwain made the comments that kicked everything off, saying that he, his family and his players have received death threats.
“I think it’s a pretty good lesson for the way things are,” McElwain said. “There’s a lot of hate in this world. A lot of anger, and yet, it’s freedom to show it. The hard part is, obviously, when the threats are against your own players. Death threats to your families. The ill-will that’s brought upon out there, and yet, I think it’s really a pretty good testament to what’s going on out there nationally. A lot of angry people. In this business, we’re the ones who you take the shots at, and that’s the way it is.”
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Following those comments, the university all but threw McElwain under the bus with its statement.
“The University Athletic Association takes the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and families very seriously,” read a UAA statement released to multiple media outlets. “Our administration met with Coach McElwain this afternoon, and he offered no additional details.”
McElwain finished his Florida head coaching career with 22 wins and 12 losses.
It’s hard to believe that a back-to-back division-winning coach has been relieved of his duties midway through his third season.
Following the blowout loss to Georgia, McElwain was asked if he’d be surprised if he wasn’t the coach moving forward. His answer was quite telling.
“Nothing in this world surprises. I know what I was brought here to do,” McElwain said Saturday after the loss to Georgia. “Look, we haven’t been good on offense. I get it. We’ve won a few games, but we haven’t won enough, haven’t won a championship. That’s real. That’s life. That is this business, and I take full responsibility for all of it. There’s no doubt.”
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
