The next steps for the Florida Gators football program
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Jim McElwain is gone
The official wording is that the Florida Gators and Jim McElwain mutually agreed to part ways on Sunday. Regardless of the phrasing, the Gators are now looking for their third head football coach in the past seven years and first under new athletics director Scott Stricklin, who on Sunday said the decision came down to “more than just wins and losses.”
Stricklin did not go into too many details about what he is looking for in Florida’s next head football coach, but did hint that the offense needed to improve.
“Being in this league for 25 years, when Florida has been really good, from a distance it has looked really fun,” Stricklin said, “and I want it to be really fun. Our fans, they deserve it to be really fun. I want our players and student-athletes to have a lot of fun, like this is a rewarding experience to come here and get a degree from a top-10 public university and to play at one of the storied football programs in the country. That’s got to be rewarding and fun.”
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Randy Shannon’s turn
For the next four weeks, defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will serve as the Gators’ interim head coach. It is just the fifth time in program history the Gators will have someone with the “interim” tag attached to their name.
Recruiting roundup
- Randy Russell, Matt Corral and a slew of other Florida commits said on social media they are still on board with Florida football.
- Wide receiver commitment Corey Gammage announces his decommitment and then deletes the tweet.
In other Florida football news
- Florida players said they ‘will fight for the rest of the season.’
- McElwain penned a final goodbye to his team on Twitter.
- Where the Gators stand in the SEC Country Power Poll.
- After undergoing an MRI, Florida running back Malik Davis is reportedly out for the season with a knee injury.
- Five reasons why McElwain didn’t last as the Gators’ head coach.
- Stricklin comments on his relationship with Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen.
- A running list of candidates to be the next Florida football head coach.
Let’s keep talking
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What they’re saying on Twitter
Wide receiver Freddie Swain
Appreciate everything you have done for me @CoachMcElwain … wishing you and the family nothing but success
#Love
— Juice Em' (@Freddie_iball2) October 30, 2017
Linebacker Kylan Johnson
I swear it ain’t nothing more I can hate right now than a hamstring. 🤦
♂️
— Kylan Johnson (@__28k__) October 30, 2017
Linebacker David Reese
Thank you Coach Mac for the opportunity to be a Gator!!
Wishing you and your family Nothing but the Best
— REESE3⃣3⃣ (@Dreese_33) October 30, 2017
Defensive back Shawn Davis
@CoachMcElwain best coach you can have
never gave up on no one no matter the situation
— Shawn Davis ll (@Iam_sd31) October 30, 2017
Offensive lineman T.J. McCoy
For all the recruits who are committed. Stay committed we are gonna fight the rest of year and regroup. You guys are the next piece
— TJ McCoy (@Iamtjmccoy) October 30, 2017
Offensive lineman Brett Heggie
I don’t care what anyone has said . He cared about his players and gave us the opportunity to be a gator and for that I’m forever grateful
— Brett Heggie (@HeggieBrett74) October 29, 2017
Tight end C’yontai Lewis
This is a time where no matter what’s going on, my coach and team needs your support. It’s hard for everyone #Gatornation we keep fighting
— C'yontai Lewis (@idunklewis) October 29, 2017
Linebacker Nick Smith
Now what…
— . (@NSmith2017) October 29, 2017
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