When it comes to football, most people listen to what Steve Spurrier has to say.
Not Jim McElwain.
The former Florida coach — McElwain, not Spurrier — reportedly refused two offers of help from the Hall of Fame coach this fall while his team floundered to a 3-4 record. Spurrier, who coached the Gators from 1990 to 2001, has an ambassador role with Florida's athletic department.
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Source told me Spurrier reached out twice to McElwain this fall to offer help, was told no thanks. That alone is fireable offense. #Gators
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) October 29, 2017
It's unclear what kind of help Spurrier reportedly offered, but that likely doesn't matter: When the Head Ball Coach offers help, it's probably wise to take it. Maybe it had to do with Florida's stagnating offense, which has ranked 112th or worse in college football since McElwain's arrival in 2015. Who knows — maybe a little offensive expertise from the master of the Fun 'n' Gun offense might have helped.
But that's all speculation at this point. McElwain is out at Florida — largely because of his own failings — and the Gators are looking to fill his vacancy as soon as possible.
Maybe the next coach will listen to what Spurrier has to say.