Interim head coach Randy Shannon took over the program on Monday in the wake of Jim McElwain's departure. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Shannon Shifts Staff, Reopens QB Competition
Monday, October 30, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter
Gators interim head coach Randy Shannon announced changes on Monday.
Shannon announced he is reopening the quarterback battle between redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and fifth-year senior Malik Zaire. Franks has started six of seven games this season but struggled in Saturday's 42-7 loss to Georgia, completing 7 of 19 passes for 30 yards and an interception.
"It depends on who does the best in practice,'' Shannon said. "The one thing is when you compete, you are going to be up or you are going to be down. When you make guys competitive in practice, you really find out what you are going to get at game time."
Florida trailed 42-0 in the fourth quarter when former head coach Jim McElwain inserted Zaire into the game in the fourth quarter. In his first action since the season opener against Michigan, Zaire finished 3 of 6 for 36 yards. He led the Gators on a nine-play, 71-yard drive on their final possession as the Gators scored to extend their NCAA-record streak of not being shut out to 368 games.
Meanwhile, Shannon has altered the Gators' coaching staff as they prepare to play at Missouri on Saturday.
Shannon announced that defensive line coach Chris Rumph is now the defensive coordinator, a position Shannon held under McElwain, and defensive quality control assistant Robb Akey takes over as defensive line coach.
Rumph is in third season with the Gators and is one of the most respected coaches on the staff. Akey is in his first season with the Gators.
Prior to joining the Gators, Akey was the defensive line coach of the Washington Redskins the past two seasons. He has vast experience in the college game as former head coach at Idaho from 2007-12 and as a longtime assistant, including eight seasons at Washington State from 1999-2006.
Florida (3-4, 3-3) has lost three consecutive games and has four regular-season games remaining, including Saturday at Missouri (3-5, 0-4). UF Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said Sunday night during a press conference announcing the separation agreement with McElwain that Shannon will lead the program the rest of the season.
"We are not giving up on this season,'' Stricklin said. "I know our young men are ready to go out and get on the field this coming Saturday at Missouri and represent the Gators."
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