All of the Kelly speculation took off based on an unsubstantiated report from Franz Beard on 247. Early this morning (Friday, 11/17) Beard posted a CYA column that essentially says “no news isn’t news” and this little nugget:
“The last thing Scott Stricklin needs is to name a new football coach at UF and for the Gator Nation to feel deflated and that’s what will happen if Kelly isn’t the guy.”
Translation: if Kelly isn’t the guy it will deflate Franz Beard’s credibility even further. He’s the one who touched off the frenzy of speculation and now he wants to blame Scott Stricklin if he (Beard) was wrong?
I’ve got my reservations about Kelly due to his “show cause” and likely desire to return to the NFL. I hope UF’s next coach has a successful 10-12 year run. Frost seems the guy to me & I’d be more excited by Stoops than Kelly. But whether or not Kelly becomes the hire, Beard’s report was premature and decidedly unhelpful to the process or to his readers.