For those Gator Nation denizens hoping a historically embarrassing loss Saturday would lead to a change at head coach, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Reportedly.
Citing a source close to the football program, the Orlando Sentinel reported Sunday afternoon that Will Muschamp will return as Florida’s head coach in 2014. The report comes less than 24 hours after a home loss to FCS-level Georgia Southern, the latest in a series of embarrassments for the program.
While admittedly wracked with myriad injuries, Florida is in the midst of a six-game losing streak that’s the Gators’ longest since 1979. They will also finish the year with their worst record since that same season, with only a date with No. 2 Florida State standing between them and a 4-8 season in Muschamp’s third year in Gainesville. Additionally, for the first time since 1991, the Gators won’t be bowling in the offseason.
Part of the reason behind the apparent decision to move forward with Muschamp is athletic director Jeremy Foley‘s fervent commitment to the coach. Another could be a buyout that’s just south of $9 million, a sum that’s prohibitive even for a well-heeled athletic department like UF.
Change is, though, in the offing.
The Sentinel wrote that “significant changes to Muschamp’s coaching staff are expected” given all that’s transpired this season. While no specifics were mentioned in the report, it’s safe to assume that no offensive coach, up to and including coordinator Brent Pease, is safe.
In the second season under Pease, the Gators are 105th in passing offense (176 yards per game), 111th in total offense (327.9 ypg) and 110th in scoring offense (19.9 points per game). Florida is dead last in the SEC in the latter two categories, and ahead of just Arkansas in the former.