The Florida Gators search for a new head coach after firing Jim McElwain continues. The top target remains Chip Kelly and he appears on the verge of making a decision. Here are all the latest Florida coaching rumors you need to know about Kelly and more.
Kelly Down To UCLA And Florida?
Chip Kelly is the top target for every team that needs a new coach, but it appears he's narrowed his search. According to ESPN, Kelly is down to the UCLA Bruins and the Florida Gators. Troy Aikman is doing everything he can to lure Kelly to his alma mater, but the Gators' top brass met with Kelly earlier this week and that reportedly went well. On a related note, 247Sports (paid) reports that they're confident Florida will hire Chip Kelly as their next head coach. If Kelly is down to two teams, expect a decision very soon.
Florida Expands Search
While the Gators think and hope they'll land Kelly, they are looking at other coaches in the event they miss out. Yahoo Sports reports that Florida has expanded its search to give themselves a backup plan if they don't land Kelly. Yahoo mentions two main candidates if Florida misses on Kelly: UCF's Scott Frost and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen.
Frost would be the first target for UF. He's turned the Golden Knights program around quickly, and UCF is still undefeated. The Gators also have to (likely) compete with Nebraska for Frost's services, as the Huskers are likely to fire current head coach Mike Riley. Frost was a QB for Nebraska.
Mullen is the former Gators OC and has ties to current AD Scott Stricklin. He's also a rumored candidate for the open Tennessee job.
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