Amazing fact about Coach Mac

[KCgator]

At the time of his hiring, Jim McElwain (52) is the oldest head coach in the history of Florida #Gators football (by 5 years).

 

[Concrete Helmet]

It was one of things I liked about him better than Freeze. Not really the age he just appears to be a little more seasoned. I think he's even had a short stint in the NFL. The way asst. coaches come and go he might have a larger pool of guys that he's worked with to draw from when it comes to replacing staff members. I also like that he seems somewhat more diversified in his offensive approach than some of the younger guys that we might have ended up with. Overall I don't think this is a bad hire as long as he retains some of the current staff, Lawing, Robinson at least and maybe Durkin and Summers.

 

[HogtownGator]

I like it, too. 52 is not old (personal experience). He could build a long-term dynasty here. (I know its early to speculate). He spent 10 years as a QB/Rec's coach before he ever became an OC. That's time to really master your craft. Also, his youngest kid is now 19 y.o., so the timing is good to take on the all-consuming job as Florida HBC. He has paid his dues.

I think JF swung for the fences hoping that last young guy - forgot his name already - would be the next Billy D. McElwain has real credibility, proven effectiveness.

 

[GatorTAG]

I'm not sure that's a good thing guys.

 

[Mudd]

I don't think it matters one way or the other.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

He spent 10 years as a QB/Rec's coach before he ever became an OC. That's time to really master your craft.

Those were the words I was looking for. I think sometimes guys get a reputation or promotion based on the fact they have a couple of good years coaching great players. Then they get into a tough conference or a situation where they don't have great players and they fail or get mixed results. I just feel more comfortable with this guy but time will tell.

 

[WobbleGator]

No big deal.

 

[KCgator]

52 is not old at all. My point was that in the history of UF football, he is the oldest when first hired. How old was Charlie Pell? He looked like miles and miles of bad unpaved road.

 

[GatorCrunch]

I dont think its a problem but he needs to control his weight if he wants to avoid health problems.

 

[EuroGator]

he just appears to be a little more seasoned. I think he's even had a short stint in the NFL. The way asst. coaches come and go he might have a larger pool of guys that he's worked with to draw from when it comes to replacing staff members. I also like that he seems somewhat more diversified in his offensive approach than some of the younger guys that we might have ended up with. Overall I don't think this is a bad hire as long as he retains some of the current staff, Lawing, Robinson at least and maybe Durkin and Summers.

+1

I like it, too. 52 is not old (personal experience). He could build a long-term dynasty here. (I know its early to speculate). He spent 10 years as a QB/Rec's coach before he ever became an OC. That's time to really master your craft. Also, his youngest kid is now 19 y.o., so the timing is good to take on the all-consuming job as Florida HBC. He has paid his dues.

+1

I don't think it's a guarantee, but I could see it playing out this way. I sure hope it does!

 

[WillGetIn]

"At the time of hiring" is the key point here. Spurdog was like 56 when he resigned.

And Pell was like 38 when he was hired. Hall was like 44.

 

[Born2beagator]

+1



+1

I don't think it's a guarantee, but I could see it playing out this way. I sure hope it does!

Another positive of this is I don't think he is going to want to jump to the NFL any time soon. Just hope he pans out, because if he does I think he is here a LONG time.

 

[KCgator]

"At the time of hiring" is the key point here. Spurdog was like 56 when he resigned.

And Pell was like 38 when he was hired. Hall was like 44.

Must've been dog years because Pell was a hard looking 38. Hall looked old from birth.

 

[LagoonGator68]

Pell was a 2 pack, one fifth guy.

 

[The Original DC]

Mac is still in a safe zone on age. I think when coaches start hitting that mid-60's mark is when they start forgetting names of players and what time practice was supposed to start, etc. Mac should be fine for a decade plus, if he's winning games.

 

[QueenCityGator]

ldman:: the official McElwain avatar. This is what he will look like giving a pep talk in the locker room.

 

[RomanGator]

Folks, I believe unless ur Saben at Bama, the SEC really grinds men down, like it did Meyer. How long he ll be able to take the heat here at 52 is open to question, unless hes winning big every year. SOS could talk about that, so could Meyer. The Fan base better show him alot of love to keep him if hes good, and then do we hire a coach in waiting under him? Another question.
Bayergator

 

[EuroGator]

Folks, I believe unless ur Saben at Bama, the SEC really grinds men down, like it did Meyer. How long he ll be able to take the heat here at 52 is open to question, unless hes winning big every year. SOS could talk about that, so could Meyer. The Fan base better show him alot of love to keep him if hes good, and then do we hire a coach in waiting under him? Another question.
Bayergator

Alex.?

 

[RomanGator]

Hello Euro,
Just my fealing, much older that 52 isn t a good idea, the tenure can likely not be very long, not everyone stays around like the Bear, or that guy at D3 Mount Union.
Bayergator

 

[BoomTown]

He's ONLY 52! He's got at least a decade of coaching left in him. There're only 2 current SEC coaches that have been in the same gig that long, Richt and Pinkel at Mizzou. So really only one coach that's lived through the SEC grind for a decade. If we get that out of a coach, we'll be doing well. Age isn't the deciding factor in how long he's here.