Jim McElwain refutes Oregon rumors, plans to stay at Florida
Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain is preparing his team for the SEC Championship Game while also answering questions about rumors linking him to the Oregon Ducks job.
Oregon fired head coach Mark Helfrich after a disappointing 4-8 record and now rumors are swirling about who could be the next head coach of the Ducks.
The coaching carousel means it’s time for rumor season as well and the list of names connected to the Oregon wish list, include former Oregon coach Chip Kelly, Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck, current UCF head coach and former Oregon assistant Scott Frost and Florida head coach Jim McElwain.
The Gators are playing in their second straight SEC Championship Game on Saturday so McElwain already has enough on his plate to worry about, but now he has to field questions about the Oregon job before the biggest game of the year.
McElwain met with the media on Wednesday to say he has had no talks with Oregon and he’s planning on being the Gators head coach.
Mac on Oregon opening. 'It's always interesting this time of year and what comes out. No I haven't heard from Oregon.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) November 30, 2016
Asked directly if he planned to stay at UF, Mac said, 'Yeah.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) November 30, 2016
This should calm any nerves or anxiety from Florida fans who are worried about the two-time SEC East division winner leaving Gainesville for Eugene. However, as is always the case in college athletics, you can never be too sure until the hire is official.
Having said that, I don’t think McElwain is going to ditch Florida for the money from Phil Knight and be the next coach of the Oregon Ducks. Sure, the Montana native would be a great fit in the Pacific Northwest and would be successful there, but I don’t see him leaving Florida where he’s 2-for-2 in SEC East titles.
Must Read: 15 biggest Heisman busts of all-time
With the SEC East down by their lofty standards, Florida is going to be the team to beat next year and likely the year after that. Just wait until McElwain gets his quarterback on campus and brings the Gator offense out of hibernation.