This is an extremely interesting, albeit none-too-surprising development. Reportedly.
Amidst a season full of on-field tumult, Jim McElwain added some fuel off of it this week when he alluded to death threats being made against his family, players and coaching staff, although he declined to provide any specific details -- even to his own employer. McElwain appeared to pull out an even bigger shovel later on in the week by cryptically stating that he would divulge details of the threats only “when it becomes unmanageable.”
With its annual World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party rivalry game against Georgia on tap for this afternoon, a report has surfaced that McElwain’s agent and the university have been working on a buyout that would end the head coach’s tenure, but are “miles apart” on the financials.
Source: Agent Jimmy Sexton & UF have been trying to work out Coach Mac buyout, but are “miles apart.” Still working hard on it.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) October 28, 2017
Source: Gators AD has statement already drafted no matter the outcome of UGA game..
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) October 28, 2017
Source: Boosters have been called to pool $ in anticipation that Gators will soon be hiring new head football coach
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) October 28, 2017
In his first two seasons with the Gators, McElwain went 19-8 and won the SEC East each year. UF started the 2017 season 3-1, including 3-0 in conference play, before suffering back-to-back league losses -- by a combined three points to LSU and Texas A&M -- to ratchet up the heat on McElwain, which the coach himself then further ratcheted with his vague death threat allegations.
UPDATED 11:51 a.m. ET: Well, that was fun while it lasted.
Y source familiar with the situation says there have been no conversations between UF and Sexton regarding McElwain's future at school. https://t.co/PUTDoNn8BF
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 28, 2017