Tim Tebow hooked on Gator catch
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Christian Examiner) -- University of Florida alum Tim Tebow is leading the ranks of Gators in support of the school's decision to name Colorado State coach Jim McElwain as head football coach Thursday--even giving him a warm Gator welcome on Twitter today.
McElwain's suitability for the job comes from his "great track record," Tebow said in a phone interview with SEC expert and Sports News radio personality Paul Finebaum.
"He's been in big time games, he's been in big time situations and he's been at a school where there is a lot of pressure. At Florida you need to know how to handle big games and a lot of pressure."
According to the former Heisman trophy winner, McElwain's coaching resume has prepared for his new situation.
"I think his time at Alabama, and I think also going to a place like Colorado State and finding a way to win there is something that is important because he will be helping rebuild this Florida program. I think there is a lot of talent there especially defensively," Tebow said.
Tebow praised McElwain's ability to run a "versatile offense" that's not just "one dimensional." He also noted that bringing the Florida team back to its glory days would depend on McElwain's ability to bring on and develop new recruits while maturing the team's up and coming players and grooming quarterbacks.
"He has made quarterbacks that were under the radar pretty successful," he said. "Being able to develop that position will be something that will be very important because all those guys have the talent, it is not about not having talent. They look the part, but its about being able to develop them mentally in decision making."
McElwain, who was in his third season at Colorado State, is set to be introduced at Florida during a news conference scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. According to ESPN, he will be paid an average of $3.5 million per season over a six-year contract.
In a move that marks the largest school to school buyout in history, the University of Florida agreed to settle McElwain's $7.5 million buyout from Colorado State, ESPN reported. The Gators will pay a total of $5 million dollars with $3 million distributed for six years and a guaranteed $2 million future game in Gainesville to occur between the 2017 and 2020 seasons. ESPN also reported that McElwain agreed to pay the $2 million to Colorado State over time.