PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Apparently, Jim McElwain could have learned a thing or two from the "head ball coach."
The now-former Florida head football coach reportedly twice rebuffed help from retired Gators coach Steve Spurrier.
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McElwain and the University of Florida parted ways Sunday after the Gators (3-4, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) lost their third consecutive game in a 42-7 rout by rival Georgia in Jacksonville.
Matt Hayes, senior college football writer for Bleacher Report, citing a source, said Sunday on Twitter that "Spurrier reached out twice to McElwain this fall to offer help, and was told no thanks."
Source told me Spurrier reached out twice to McElwain this fall to offer help, was told no thanks. That alone is fireable offense. #Gators
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) October 29, 2017
Spurrier, of course, led the Gators to their first national championship in 1996. He was 122-27-1 at Florida, winning six SEC titles in 12 seasons.
"He's only the greatest offensive mind in CFB in the last 30 years," Hayes said in another tweet. "If he wants to tell you how to get someone open, you listen."
He’s only the greatest offensive mind in CFB in the last 30 years. If he wants to tell you how to get someone open, you listen. https://t.co/aDmVVeM7FW
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) October 29, 2017
McElwain led the Gators to consecutive SEC Eastern Division titles in his first two seasons in Gainesville, despite having offenses that ranked among the nation's worst.
Former Miami Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. Shannon served as defensive coordinator under McElwain.