What Florida AD Scott Stricklin said about parting ways with coach Jim McElwain
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Florida AD Scott Stricklin had the unenviable task of facing the media on Sunday night after making the departure of former coach Jim McElwain official.
Now, as the Gators prepare to launch a nationwide coaching search, McElwain will begin a job hunt of his own.
During Sunday’s press conference, Stricklin addressed topics like the death threats McElwain said he received, the ideal next Florida coach, what the players’ reactions were and more.
RELATED: Top candidates for the Florida job
Here’s a breakdown of what Stricklin said during Sunday night’s somber press conference:
"I want it to be really fun." — Gators AD Scott Stricklin on next head coach
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) October 29, 2017
Florida AD Scott Stricklin: "This was more than just wins and losses, and I'll leave it at that."
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) October 29, 2017
Stricklin on the buyout: "You like paying $ to people who are currently working for you." Focus on future not past. #Gators
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: It's not practical for us to respond to all coaching rumors. Soon enough, the #Gators will have a new head coach.
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: "Our search … begins immediately. I will do everything I can to keep the search process & details … confidential." #Gators
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin said #Gators are not giving up on season. Search will begin immediately, but will keep details under wraps.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: "I appreciate Coach McElwain and the way he's handled this. … I think he's a good man. I thank him for his time and effort."
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: "This is a difficult situation and challenging time" for the coaching staff. Our players "are our No. 1 priority" esp. now.
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: "it's not ideal,' re: two firings in three years. Have to hire someone here for the long haul, he said.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 29, 2017
"This was a mutually agreed upon departure," Stricklin said.
— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) October 29, 2017
Stricklin on UF job: "If u want to work in best AD in country & have access to some of best talent & coach for bets fans, u want to be @ UF"
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: Players were quiet but mature.
"Monday created a different storyline and caused a lot of distractions." #Gators
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin says it's hard to speculate on what would have happened if the death threats comment hadn't been made.
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: 'I keep up with marketplace. I had an idea of who's out there.' Search will begin Monday a.m.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) October 29, 2017
Stricklin: They have reached a settlement in principle with McElwain. They haven't signed the document yet.
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) October 29, 2017
Who becomes the next coach of the Gators remains to be seen, but for now, DC Randy Shannon will take over as interim coach.
It’s safe to say there will be plenty of coaching rumors in the coming weeks, and Gator fans will be eagerly watching to see who heads to Gainesville next.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
