Florida's newly-inked head coach Jim McElwain won't be on the sidelines for the Gators' Birmingham Bowl appearance against East Carolina, but he will be in attendance. And, according to ESPN, his soon-to-be players are treating the bowl game like a "tryout" for their new head coach.
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This will be especially true for the offense, led by freshman quarterback Treon Harris. The Gators struggled in offensive efficiency in all four years under Will Muschamp.
McElwain was brought in primarily for the belief that he could lead a high-octane offensive attack. How they respond to a Pirates' team that ranked a respectable 43rd in total defense will be a telling showcase for a roster looking to make positive impressions on their new coach.
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The University of Florida football program undertook an exhaustive and well-publicized coaching search after firing Will Muschamp following four uneven seasons at the helm.
Candidates like Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy, the Philadelphia Eagles' Chip Kelly, New England Patriots coordinator Josh McDaniels, and Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze were all considered prime candidates at some point, before athletic director Jeremy Foley eventually lured Jim McElwain away from the Colorado State Rams.
McElwain was 22-16 in three seasons in Fort Collins. Prior to CSU he was an offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban.
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