What a strange time on the college football landscape when schools like Florida, Nebraska and Michigan are in need of new head coaches. On Thursday, Florida and Nebraska found their new sideline general while Michigan remains on the clock.
Florida Hires Jim McElwain
Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley wanted an offensive-minded head coach and that’s exactly what he got.
McElwain coached three seasons at Colorado State, taking over a program that posted a 9-27 record in the three seasons prior to his arrival. McElwain turned the Rams around posting a 10-2 record this season and over the past 20 games, the Rams have an overall record of 16-4.
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This season, the Rams are ranked 13th nationally in total offense (497.8 yards per game). They also boast the country’s second-most efficient quarterback in senior Garrett Grayson. Grayson has thrown 32 touchdowns and only six interceptions this season.
While Grayson is having a huge year behind center, sophomore Rashard Higgins is having a stellar year at wide receiver. Higgins leads the country with 17 receiving touchdowns and 149.1 receiving yards per game.
“Coach McElwain was someone we targeted from the beginning of the search,” said Foley to the school’s official website. “The more we worked through the process and did our due diligence, coupled with our meeting and conversations with him and those around him, it was obvious he is the right person to lead the Florida Gator football program.”
Nebraska Hires Mike Riley
Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst was very secretive in his school’s search for a new football coach. Speculation spread quickly with names like Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost and former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel in the running for the job.
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In the end, Eichorst selected Riley, the current head coach at Oregon State.
“There was one coach who fit all the characteristics that I was seeking to lead our tradition-rich football program,” Eichorst said. “Mike Riley has a proven record of success, a sound approach to football and teaching, an understanding of the educational mission of our university and the integrity and values that we cherish at Nebraska.
“I have no doubt that Mike will assemble a tremendous staff and lead our student-athletes to win Big Ten titles and compete for national championships in the years ahead.”
Riley coached for 14 seasons as head coach of the Beavers compiling an overall record of 93-80. His best season was in 2006 when Oregon State finished the season 10-4. During Riley’s tenure at Oregon State, the Beavers never won the conference title. Their best showings were in 2008 and 2009 when the team finished tied for second.
Riley’s strength is the pro-style offense that he employs and he has a good reputation for developing quarterbacks.
The Cornhuskers are eligible for a bowl game this season but Riley will not coach the team for that game.
Michigan Still on the Clock
Now that Jim McElwain and Mike Riley have been snatched up, the country is now awaiting Michigan’s new coaching hire. With recruiting season just around the corner, the Wolverines had better land their man quickly.