Florida coaching staff update: NFL assistants on their way to Gainesville?

Florida head coach Jim McElwain made several media spots on Monday and Tuesday, speaking openly about the upcoming recruiting needs for the Gators and giving updates on his potential coaching staff.

Currently, McElwain’s only official coaching staff hire so far is Geoff Collins, who will be the Gators’ defensive coordinator. McElwain hinted that his coaching staff will start filling out soon.

Could an NFL assistant or two be on their way to Florida? According to McElwain, he seemed to hint at that possibility in two separate interviews.

“We’ve got guys that are currently in major bowl games that will probably jump on board and then some guys obviously that still have an NFL game or maybe even some playoff games left,” McElwain said on Tampa Bay’s 620 WDAE. “So we’re being patient … it’s really about the family because at the end of the day these kids are the real reason why we’re here and we’ve have to do everything we can to help them be successful.”

“You’ll start to see some guys trickle in as we finish some bowl games and the NFL season,” McElwain added in a later interview with 1010XL out of Jacksonville, Fla., “and then really get after it right after the first of the year.”

Since McElwain is restricted from actually coaching the Gators at this point, McElwain’s primary focus is building the Gators’ 2015 recruiting class.

Currently, it’s an underwhelming class to say the last. The Gators have only eight commits with less than two months to go until National Signing Day. McElwain made it clear that he’s focused on boosting depth, especially at offensive line.”

“Obviously for us, creating roster balance is huge,” McElwain said. “It all starts with explosive playmakers at each position. That doesn’t mean a guy that has to have the ball in his hands all the time. It can be a guy that can change the game, whether it be on the offensive line.”

“We need to get our numbers back up with the offensive line position,” he added. “That’s something that we’re really pounding on right now.”

Other quotes from McElwain during his interview on Orlando’s 740 The Game.

“I enjoy humor.” — McElwain on Dan Mullen’s comment about Geoff Collins’ “lateral” move from Miss St. to UF.

— Scott Carter (@GatorZoneScott) December 23, 2014

“I would have never guessed in a million years
I would have had this opportunity. Couldn’t let it slip by.’’— McElwain on UF #Gators job

— Scott Carter (@GatorZoneScott) December 23, 2014

“I tell you what, we could write a book on that.’’ — McElwain on what he learned from Saban.

— Scott Carter (@GatorZoneScott) December 23, 2014

McElwain on Harris issues: “Part of that is growing up … I really look forward to getting into his life and being a big part of his life."

— Scott Carter (@GatorZoneScott) December 23, 2014

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.