Florida has its man.
Following multiple reports, Florida confirmed that Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain has agreed to become the Gators’ next head coach. A press conference to introduce McElwain is scheduled for Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“Coach McElwain was someone we targeted from the beginning of the search,’’ Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said. “The more we worked through the process and did our due diligence, coupled with our meeting and conversations with him and those around him, it was obvious he is the right person to lead the Florida Gator football program.”
The news, first reported by ESPN.com’s Chris Low and later confirmed by Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde, comes the morning after the negotiations between Colorado State and Florida “reached an impasse.” Forde reported Wednesday night that the $7.5 million buyout in McElwain’s contract with Colorado State was the main source of contention, with the CSU administration “not budging” on the numbers.
Now, the buyout issues have been cleared up. Florida and McElwain will pay Colorado State "over time," and Florida will host the Rams in Gainesville. From Florida:
The University of Florida Athletic Association and Colorado State have agreed to a payment of $3 million over six years. Florida and Colorado State will also play a game in Gainesville between 2017-20 with a $2 million guarantee. Coach McElwain has agreed to a $2 million payment over time to Colorado State.
Florida will pay McElwain an average of "$3.5 million annually over six years."
McElwain, 52, spent three seasons with the Rams and registered a 22-16 overall record. He was hired by Colorado State in December 2011 after four seasons as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama.
The Rams improved each season under McElwain’s watch, culminating with a 10-2 campaign in 2014.
“He has a proven track record on the offensive side of the ball, has coached in the SEC, won two national championships and has had success as a head coach,’’ Foley said. “He has recruited the South and the state of Florida and has spent time coaching at the highest level in the NFL.
“He has an engaging personality and is someone who can connect with a variety of audiences and he operates with a high level of integrity. I welcome him and his family to The Gator Nation and I’m looking forward to working alongside him and his staff as they build a championship program both on and off the field.”
In addition to his time at Alabama, McElwain also was an assistant at Eastern Washington, Montana State, Louisville, Michigan State, and Fresno State. He also had a one-year stint as the quarterbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2006.
McElwain replaces Will Muschamp, who was fired Nov. 16 during his fourth season with the Gators.
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
- - - - - - -
Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
