Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Florida's Jim McElwain at a Citrus Bowl event. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA)
In The (Gator) Zone: McElwain Respects Harbaugh's Creativity, Time to Dance for McCall, more Gators tidbits
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
Share:
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Since the day he arrived in town, Jim McElwain has been full of surprises.
The Clarabelle shout-out at his introductory press conference remains a personal favorite.
The biggest, of course, came during his first season when the Gators won their first SEC East crown in six years despite being picked near the bottom of the division.
He was at it again Tuesday when asked about Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh ruffling feathers by bringing his team to Florida to practice over spring break. The SEC was not exactly enamored with the move, and neither were some of McElwain's coaching colleagues. Florida football coach Jim McElwain. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA) Instead of complain, however, McElwain praised Harbaugh's ingenuity.
"He's not doing anything that's illegal,'' McElwain said. "He's pressing the envelopes, he's putting their name in the paper every day. And you know what, that's cool. I mean I'd come to Florida, too.
"I kind of look at it as more power to him."
The Wolverines spent a week at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, which also happens to be home to some of the top football recruits in the country. They enjoyed excellent weather, team events and opened their practices to the media.
The trip received coverage nationally and boosted Michigan's profile during a slow time in the college football news cycle. While NCAA officials and administrators from other schools voiced concerns about the trip eating away at the players' time off, the players didn't seem to mind.
"I don't have anything negative to say about it,'' Michigan tight end Jake Butt told SportsIllustrated.com.
A similar trip next year is not likely to happen if the NCAA's Football Oversight Committee has final say. Other coaches will be happy. Meanwhile, you can bet Harbaugh will start working on his next creative competitive advantage.
McElwain and Harbaugh both took over storied programs in 2015 that needed fresh ideas and more wins. Both are off to good starts. Michigan a better one considering that 41-7 over the Gators in the Citrus Bowl two months ago.
"It was embarrassing the way we played,'' McElwain said. "It was embarrassing the way we took the field. It was embarrassing the way we laid down."
The start of spring practice on Wednesday was an opportunity for the Gators to look ahead instead of in the rearview mirror. Up ahead, on Sept. 2, 2017, is a rematch with the Wolverines in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys Classic is the season opener for both schools.
Should be fun. And perhaps a chance for McElwain and Harbaugh to discuss that trip the Wolverines once took to Florida over spring break.
"I mean I'd come to Florida, too. There's great players here, right?'' McElwain said. "I don't plan on taking ours to Michigan. I'm all for what he's doing."
*****
TIME TO DANCE
Matt McCall has already won a championship as a head coach.
A former UF assistant under Billy Donovan, McCall guided his Tennessee-Chattanooga team to a Southern Conference Tournament championship on Monday and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. Matt McCall The Mocs defeated Georgia, Illinois and Dayton on the way to a record 29-win season in McCall's first season. Former UF players Eddie Shannon and Jacob Kurtz are part of McCall's staff.
McCall was quick to include Donovan in his postgame remarks to ESPN.
"I learned from the best, I really did,'' he said. "I've been blessed to be with some great coaches, none better than Coach Donovan. I'm so happy for these players. They've been through a lot. I'm the third head coach for some of these guys.
"They deserve it."
A UF graduate, McCall started his coaching career as a student manager with the Gators during Donovan's tenure.
Chan joins two more former Gators among the coaches at Samford. Former UF softball player Michelle Moultrie is in her second season as an assistant coach at the school, and former UF men's basketball graduate assistant Brandon Gilbert is in his second season as Samford's director of basketball operations. Samford's head coach is Scott Padgett, the former Kentucky standout.
*****
EXTRA, EXTRA
Former Gators cornerback Janoris Jenkinsto sign with the New York Giants after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Rams. … Former Gators guard Eli Carter finished his college career on Tuesday. Carter, who transferred to Boston College for his final season, scored a team-high 21 points in BC's 88-66 loss to Florida State in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Carter did not find success in Boston as the Eagles finished 7-25, including 0-19 in conference play. "It's been real difficult losing, obviously, setting history and all that stuff,'' Carter told reporters. … McElwain has placed his stamp on the annual Scramble for Kids golf tournament that benefits three Gainesville-area charities. Gainesville Sun writer Robbie Andreuhas more of the story. … The SEC has hired The Richards Group out of Dallas to develop a brand strategy and integrated marketing campaign for the league. … The SEC Network is reporting live from all 14 SEC Pro Days. The crew of Laura Rutledge, Marcus Spears, Kevin Weidl and former UF receiver Chris Doering will be in Gainesville on UF's Pro Day March 22. … The funeral of UF graduate and longtime St. Petersburg Times columnist Hubert Mizell is Saturday at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Mizell moved to Gainesville in 2004 and was a regular at UF football and basketball games. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Haven Hospice in Gainesville. … Top of the World headwear and UF have extended their exclusive headwear partnership through 2021.
