The Florida Gators have long been home to one of the best programs in college football. Their fanbase knows this and craves a return to national championship contention after finally kicking Billy Napier to the curb. In their minds, no one should be off the table.
Lane Kiffin? “Poach him from Ole Miss.” Eli Drinkwitz? “Mizzou’s weather can’t compare.” Nick Saban? “He can’t really like TV that much, can he?”
Florida’s faithful fans should be able to get everyone to at least answer the phone this offseason, but the Gainesville gig may not be everyone’s first choice. According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, the Gators’ job is currently the second-best available head coaching position in the Power 4, behind Penn State, due to its volatility.
Florida is the only SEC program in a state loaded with talent and now has the financial infrastructure to support its coach as he chases a national championship. But the overall coaching churn and uneven results in Gainesville can’t be ignored.
The Gators have hired and fired each of the 4 head coaches they’ve had since Urban Meyer.
The releases of Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen in their third and fourth years, respectively, after perceived “down” seasons felt like quick yanks of the cord. McElwain went 19-8 in his first 2 seasons. Mullen went 29-9 with 3 New Year’s Six bowl appearances — and 2 NY6 wins — in his first 3 seasons.
Any coach who considers Florida will appreciate the desire to win championships, but such little tolerance for even an 8-4 year might turn away some suitors.
