Florida Hires McElwain as Gators Coach

The University of Florida on Thursday finalized a deal with Colorado State University, making CSU’s football coach Jim McElwain the new coach of the Gators. A press conference will be held Saturday to announce the hiring and introduce McElwain. The Denver Post reports that the buyout dispute in McElwain‘s contract, which stalled negotiations over the past few days, has been resolved. The school will receive a five million dollar payment and an additional two million for a game to be scheduled with the Rams. According to the UF Athletic Association, “In finalizing the deal, the University Athletic Association and Colorado State have agreed to a payment of $3 million over six years. Florida and Colorado State will also play a game in Gainesville between 2017-20 with a $2 million guarantee. McElwain has agreed to a $2 million payment over time to Colorado State.” ESPN reports the deal is six years, worth $3.5 million per season. According to the paper, McElwain met with his players to inform them of his departure. A formal announcement of the hiring could come as early as today.