Downers are not gonna like my supposition. An unassailable reality that's starting to soak in : HC Mac came into a "poor" post-Messedchomp situation (so many reasons experts believed UF would finish down in the middle of the SEC-East). Coach Mac accomplished more wins than "all" expected -- "all" includes those CFB experts? The facts are that Mac exceeded expectations (his first 2 years in a row = awards, awards)
Our AD is fully aware (proud) of awards.?? So I'm thinking UF officials believe that Mac will "grow" into the architect building UF as a constant contender. Further, the recruiting will grow, our FB players will be able to defeat FSU, then Bama. That's what I think our AD and big-wheel boosters have faith in betterment happening as our coaches and player-groups are improved (probably by replacing poor coaches [not the HC] with very-good coaches).
Conclusion #1 = Mac is kept for the full extent of his contract. Then, due to Gators rising back to stomping most SEC opponents East & West, the AD steps in early and extends Mac's contract.
Conclusion #2 = The GatChat Downers will find individual players & individual plays to tear apart.
Mainly = Mac will have staying power i.e. UF won't be leaping from "trial coach to "trial coach". I'm not a pumper because I see, recognize all those weaknesses ascribed to Mac's first 2 years. But can't name one SEC coach out of 12 (minus Sabin & Mac) that did not show more weaknesses than our Coach Mac.