Midway through just his third season at the helm it appears as though those in the decision-making positions are done with Jim McElwain as head coach. After an ugly 3-4 start to the season, rumors had been flying at a record pace before this decision was made official.
After taking over for Will Muschamp in 2015, McElwain lead the Gators to back-to-back SEC East division titles and championship game appearances. He went 9-4 and 10-4 during his first two seasons, but with four losses already on the record heading into November, it was looking unlikely his squad would even reach a bowl game.
Before coming to Gainesville, and before his successful tenure at Colorado State, McElwain made his name under Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. He was hired prior to the 2008 campaign that saw an undefeated Alabama fall to Tim Tebow and the Gators in the SEC Championship game. He was an intricate part of the Tide’s two national championships over the next three years before accepting the head coaching position with the Rams.
While his tenure was not a complete failure in Florida, he failed to truly field a team capable of running the table. With the resurgence of Georgia under Kirby Smart, there is added pressure for early success within the conference. It is entirely plausible that he will be offered a position at a non-power five school before next season begins.
