DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As waves crashed onshore just outside the door here Tuesday night, Gators coach Will Muschamp met with a small group of reporters inside a small room at the Daytona Resort and Conference Center.
One asked if Year 2 of Muschamp's annual speaking tour around the state at Gator Gatherings seemed different now that introductions are out of the way.
Muschamp downplayed the question with a generic response, but a follow-up question about fan reaction delivered a memorable answer.
"Everybody has been very positive,'' he quipped. "I don't listen to the others."
Muschamp spent Tuesday night speaking to the Gator Club of Volusia County. More than 300 fans and supporters were in attendance.
Muschamp spent the first half of the event delivering a rapid-fire breakdown of the team and his outlook for next season and beyond. He did so amid a backdrop of last year's 7-6 record in his first season as head Gator.
He shared his thoughts on his debut season early in the program.
"I know last season was not acceptable,'' he said. "But it's an exciting time to be a Florida Gator, I can tell you that."
Muschamp peppered his speech and responses during a question-and-answer session with a mix of self-deprecating humor and a realistic tone.
A story about fan expectations at Florida drew one of the biggest laughs of the night.
Shortly after Muschamp was hired in December 2011, he and his wife Carol had narrowed their list of potential homes in Gainesville down to three.
All three homes would work nicely for the Muschamps and their two young sons. One was in a gated community, the other two offering walk-up service for anyone unhappy about last night's game.
Muschamp went to Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley for some advice about the three neighborhoods.
Foley didn't need much info before offering his take.
"I'd go with gated,'' Foley said.
"I know what he means now,'' Muschamp said to roaring laughter.
To illustrate his point, Muschamp shared another colorful story.
With a 6-6 record following a loss to Florida State in the regular-season finale, the Gators needed to beat Ohio State in the Gator Bowl to avoid their first losing season since 1979.
That's the last way Muschamp wanted to start out his tenure.
As the Gators walked to practice one day leading up to the game, an older gentleman stopped Muschamp on campus.
He asked if Muschamp was the head coach.
"When you are 6-6 in your rookie campaign at Florida … you've got to be careful who you say yes to,'' Muschamp said.
After telling the man that, yes, he was the head coach, Muschamp offered up the punch line.
"You need to beat these guys in the bowl game,'' the man told him.
"I appreciate the advice,'' Muschamp responded. "I don't disagree with you."
Muschamp said coaching at schools like Florida, Texas, Auburn and LSU over the years has taught him that "people are passionate; people are nuts."
While those outside expectations create some memorable encounters, Muschamp wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's been great. The support has been fantastic,'' Muschamp said of his short tenure. "You want to be in a place that wants to win a national championship every year. That's my goal, too."
Muschamp assured the crowd Tuesday that Florida is much closer to that goal than a year ago when he visited.
He reiterated many of points he has talked about to the media since the end of spring camp.
He is confident the Gators can win with either Jacoby Brissett or Jeff Driskel at quarterback – or both if they need to. He is excited about the improvement on the offensive line. He likes the skill players on offense but needs to see more production from the receivers.
On defense, Muschamp highlighted the depth and a young unit that finished among the nation's best a season ago despite forcing only 12 turnovers. He also expects significant contributions from several players in the 2012 signing class and said the Gators have made important strides in the weight room since the arrival of strength-and-conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman four months ago.
His message to the team at the end of spring was to make Year 2 a lot different than Year 1.
"Do uncommon things to have an uncommon season,'' he said. "That's what we plan on doing."
The mood Tuesday was upbeat and one draped in reality.
As he sipped on a glass of ice tea before heading home, Deltona resident Mack Davis left with a renewed sense of hope about the Gators.
"I think the program is in good hands,'' Davis said. "Nobody wants to go 6-6 again. I just want to see progress and for the team to get back on track. We've had some great years recently so last year was kind of a shock to some people. But I like the direction they're going."
So does Muschamp.
"I'm very optimistic. There is no question we've made strides,'' he said. "How far will tell in the fall. We're much further ahead at this point than at any time last year."
Muschamp opened his speech on Tuesday by telling the crowd he wasn't sure he was going to be able to make it. He spent Monday at the Alachua County Courthouse for potential jury duty.
"I was listening to two jury trial selections,'' he said. "I didn't get chosen."
When a woman later asked Muschamp if he was at Florida for the long haul, his answer drew the kind of response that not all 7-6 coaches would get.
"I'm home,'' Muschamp said.
A loud round of applause followed. That's a win Muschamp can build on.
