Florida head coach Jim McElwain speaks to the media at a recent press conference.
McElwain Rewarded For Gators' Quick Turnaround Under HIs Direction
Friday, March 25, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
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He recently received a $750,000 raise in his annual compensation
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gators head coach Jim McElwain has been rewarded for the immediate impact he made in turning around the program.
McElwain, who led Florida to a 10-4 record and SEC East title in his first season, received a $750,000 bump in annual compensation that went into effect Feb. 1.
Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley and UF President Dr. Kent Fuchs discussed the raise during the season with Coach McElwain during what was an impressive first season in Gainesville for McElwain, who arrived at Florida following three seasons as head coach at Colorado State.
Jeremy Foley"We recognized early in Coach Mac's tenure that he totally changed the vibe around football for The Gator Nation and in the building," said Foley. "Dr. Fuchs and I first talked about this in mid-October -- we didn't want to make it about winning one game or advancing to the SEC Championship Game.
"We wanted to make a change because of the direction of the program and his leadership. From the moment he set foot on this campus, he has steadily put into place his blueprint for the football program. His efforts have been relentless. We are very grateful to have him and his family in Gainesville."
According to the new terms of McElwain's contract, which still runs through the 2020 season, his annual compensation has increased from $3.5 million per year to $4.25 million.
"It's great to know that our university and administration believe in the direction we are taking this program,'' McElwain said. "This sends a strong message about the things we are putting in place and the work of the entire organization. It sends a real message in recruiting that we have the support and confidence in our long-term vision."
The 54-year-old McElwain signed an original six-year, $21-million deal after he took over a moribund Colorado State program and led the Rams to a 22-16 record in his three seasons.
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