McElwain says goodbye to Gators

GAINESVILLE — On Monday, former UF coach

returned to the Swamp to say goodbye to many of his former players.

McElwain spoke for a few minutes and exchanged some hugs just 24 hours after he and the school parted ways amid his third season. McElwain’s message? “He’s a Gator; he’s always going to be a Gator,” fifth-year senior cornerback said. “He still has love for us and if you need him he’s there.” Some players cannot believe McElwain is gone. “I don’t think anybody on the team saw that coming,” senior tailback said.

At the same time, talk of McElwain’s tenuous job security was hard to ignore.

“We were trying to funnel [it] out and not think about it,” Thompson said. “But that’s hard when every single day, every hour of the day that’s all everyone is even talking about.”

McElwain addressed the job rumors with his players prior to Saturday’s Georgia game, but UF came out flat en route to a 42-7 loss.

Afterward, speculation about McElwain’s ouster intensified. Players read online Sunday he was negotiating his buyout.

McElwain shared a bond with his players. But they have no choice but to move on with four games remaining in the regular season.

“This is life, so we have to continue to play,” Dawson said.

McElwain Next game: Duke Dawson Mark Thompson Jim

UF at Missouri, Saturday, Noon, ESPN2