Apparently, Will Muschamp is attempting to keep up with the Longhorn version of the Joneses.
Late last month, it was announced that the new Florida head coach’s former boss would be closing each of Texas’ 15 spring practice sessions to the media and fans alike. Today, Muschamp played the banning Jedi to Mack Brown‘s barring Yoda*.
As a result, and for the first time in Florida’s history, neither the media nor the fans will be permitted to view the early 2011 version of the Gators. This is especially significant as UF will have, at least as far as the most important positions in the coaching hierarchy, new pieces up and down the staff.
Muschamp, who spent the past three seasons as Brown’s UT defensive coordinator before taking over for Urban Meyer in December, said Wednesday afternoon in a statement that he felt it was best for the development of his young program to take the no-scoop-for-you tack when it comes to spring practice.
“With a new coaching staff here teaching our system, we feel like minimizing our distractions is important,” Muschamp said in a UF release. “We realize that there is high interest from the fans, and we are extremely appreciative of the support that the Gator Nation gives us.
“We hope they understand that this decision has been made in the interest of helping our program be successful on Saturdays this fall by allowing our team to learn and develop together in this type of environment.
“We also respect that the media has a job to do and understand this creates a challenge to them, so we ask for their patience with us as we work through our first spring practice here at Florida”
It should be noted that the April 9 spring game will still be open to the public. And, presumably, to the media as well.
Understandably, the beat writers who cover the team are none too pleased with this development. We get the feeling, however, that it matters not one iota to any UF fans if the new policy translates into wins.
(*I just watched a Star Wars special; sue me.)