Source: Florida nearing deal with CSU's Jim McElwain as new coach

Published Dec. 3, 2014 12:05 a.m. ET

Bruce Feldman

Florida is close to finalizing a deal with Colorado State's Jim McElwain to make him the Gators' next head coach, a source told FOX Sports Tuesday night.

Yahoo! Sports first reported that UF and McElwain were closing in on an agreement earlier Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press that negotiations hit a snag Wednesday over McElwain's $7.5 million buyout. The person said Florida traveled to Colorado with the belief that the hefty buyout could be whittled down. But Colorado State President Tony Frank stood firm. The financial roadblock prompted the Florida contingent to leave without an agreement.

Since the buyout is McElwain's responsibility, it's up to him, his attorney and Colorado State to reach an amicable deal, the person said.

Foley and several of his top assistants left Fort Collins after nearly a day of negotiations, and both schools were mostly mum about any decisions regarding Florida's opening head-coaching position.

Florida did send out an update on the discussions with McElwain through the football team's Twitter account:

Reporters were waiting for Foley when he landed back in Gainesville, and he was equally vague about what transpired in Colorado.

"We gave you what we gave you," he said. "That's the end of the conversation. There's nothing else to report. We had a great conversation. We're not there yet. Might have something more tonight."

If he does take the job, the 52-year-old McElwain would return to the SEC, where he spent four seasons on Nick Saban's staff at Alabama as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator. He has spent the past three seasons revitalizing the Rams program, going 4-8 in his first season to 8-6 in 2013 to this year's 10-2 mark.

McElwain will replace Will Muschamp, who was fired last month after going just 10-13 the past two seasons.

McElwain, who oversees a pro-style attack, has led the Rams to impressive numbers this season. They are No. 3 in the nation in passing efficiency, No. 7 in passing offense and No. 7 in third down offense -- all numbers that should make Gator fans happy considering how much UF struggled offensively in the Muschamp era. The Rams also are a respectable No. 34 in defense.

Foley has publicly listed several requirements for Muschamp's replacement, saying his next coach had to have high integrity, character and needed to be a fit at Florida.

McElwain was born in Montana and spent much of his coaching career out west, but he also has NFL experience, Southeastern Conference ties and his aforementioned track record of offensive success fits what Foley is looking for.

Foley said improved offensive play is paramount for Florida's next coach after four years of offensive futility in Gainesville, where fans got somewhat spoiled watching Steve Spurrier's "Fun `n' Gun" in the 1990's and then Urban Meyer's high-scoring spread scheme in the late 2000's.

The Gators finished 105th, 103rd and 113th in total offense during Muschamp's first three seasons. They rank 90th this season, but Muschamp said two weeks ago that he's leaving behind a "deep and talented roster, so don't let that new guy tell you he ain't got no good players."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Bruce Feldman is a senior college football reporter and columnist for FOXSports.com and FOX Sports 1. He is also a New York Times Bestselling author. His new book, The QB: The Making of Modern Quarterbacks, came out in October, 2014. Follow him on Twitter @BruceFeldmanCFB.