💬 I still can't wrap my mind around why UF has chosen to bring Spurrier back into their "fold."

[TerryP]

In case you've missed the story ...

Steve Spurrier named ambassador and consultant to Gators athletics

I do realize it's been a few years, with the Meyer era tucked in between SOS and Coach Mac, but it still just seems like a really odd move to me.

While it's an apple and oranges comparison, I can't help but think Spurrier is going to walk those halls in Gainesville just like Dye has been doing in W Opelika, or Fulmer in Knoxville. I'm not suggesting the same role as someone like Dye, but in the same fashion exerting influence over decisions made in the football department.

Mac mentioned his quarterback competition at the SEC Media Days indicating it's an ongoing competition only to have Spurrier make this comment to one of the media members.



How's that suppose to help, or even support, a coach entering his second year in charge of the Gator program?

Over the years I've thought Foley did a good job at Florida. Not great, mind you, but good considering the wealth of talent the state has to offer all their programs.

BUT, and I'm just using logic with a dose of assumption here, IF Foley brought in Spurrier?!?! If anyone tries to hold up Foley as one of the best Athletic Director's we've seen in the SEC ...

P.A.U.S.E.

 

[planomateo]

UF should ensure that Spurrier keeps his shirts on and doesn't speak too frankly. Certainly puts McElwain in a precarious spot.

Hard to argue with the hardware their athletic program got under Foley's watch.

 

[alagator]

Hard to argue with the hardware their athletic program got under Foley's watch.

Depends on how you look at it. From a cursory point of view, sure, hard to argue.

He doesn't get any credit for Urban. That was all Machen.

Ron Zook, Will Muschamp, Michael White for B-ball ... and now this move?

How much of their success need be attributed to Foley or to the state of Florida?

 

[planomateo]

How much of their success need be attributed to Foley or to the state of Florida?

A quick look at both Miami and FSU over the last 20 years answers that question.

 

[XXL TideFan]

Mac should make a statement that Spurrier is certainly entitled to his opinion.

 

[Bamabww]

Interesting move but one that will be welcomed by the rank and file gator fan.

 

[TerryP]

Interesting move but one that will be welcomed by the rank and file gator fan.

Gators, by nature, prefer climates with a lot of sand. Here's a case where a lot of Gator fans find themselves buried in said sand—head first.

While this is lauded by those fans, and by the majority of the media, no one wants to address he has quit UofSC twice now within a year. Once, as their head coach. And now for the second time as the UofSC Ambassador.

I ran into a Gator fan last night that was praising Mac for welcoming Spurrier. My question to him, which went unanswered, was "What choice did Coach Mac have?"

BTW Wayne, want to know what a group of their fans are already expecting? Spurrier in QB meetings, helping Mac and Nuss train their QB's.

You know the old expression about seeing a light at the end of the tunnel ...

 

[XXL TideFan]

He is the "Interim Head Coach in Waiting"or maybe just the HC in waiting. Just watch the uproar when Mac has a bad year.

 

[rammerjammer]

I could see where they want him to come and speak to all the QB clubs and Gator clubs, etc. He would be a great fund raiser.........on the surface.

He obviously won't keep mouth shut and like you say, probably will do more harm than good.

 

[#80]

It's simple. He is the greatest coach in the history of the school.

 

[TUSKtimes]

BTW Wayne, want to know what a group of their fans are already expecting? Spurrier in QB meetings, helping Mac and Nuss train their QB's.

I would advise coach Mac to steer clear of the fun and gun. Wuerffle and company dang near got killed with that chuck and duck passing attack.

 

[alagator]

It's simple. He is the greatest coach in the history of the school.

I think you're missing the point. What you're saying is true. But, his time has passed.

Enter Mac going into his second year rebuilding a program that Muschamp tore, practically, to the ground. Add Spurrier walking the halls.

Just watch the uproar when Mac has a bad year.

And all hell breaks loose. His presence alone is a distraction. Knowing he can't keep his mouth shut, he's likely to divide that fan base if he starts running his mouth after a loss to a team like UT.

 

[OldPlayer]

Don't expect him to do anything with play analysis or player development. He will be representing UF for fundraising events. Imagine if Joe Namath was to be employed by Alabama. What would you use him for?

 

[#80]

I think you're missing the point. What you're saying is true. But, his time has passed.

Enter Mac going into his second year rebuilding a program that Muschamp tore, practically, to the ground. Add Spurrier walking the halls.



And all hell breaks loose. His presence alone is a distraction. Knowing he can't keep his mouth shut, he's likely to divide that fan base if he starts running his mouth after a loss to a team like UT.

I didn't miss anything he is coming back for PR. He is a Gator.

 

[TerryP]

I didn't miss anything he is coming back for PR. He is a Gator.

That's a given, but not the point.

His history with Florida, combined with his inability to keep his opinions to himself instead of voicing them to any and all that will listen, WILL be a disruptive force within the walls of that program. Fans will be looking to him, not to Mac, for the health of their football program.

Think about the fan base we're talking about here. Think about what they were like when Muschamp had his down year. Now, consider what Spurrier is going to say when he's on these little PR trips.

He's not going to be out of the spotlight. He can't handle not being a focal point. Again, history proves such.

 

[UAgrad93]

I'd welcome him back but not let him near meetings or the practice field. Let him talk to the boosters and hit fundraisers but no where near the media responsible for covering football. Give him an ultimatum and hang himself. It will happen.

 

[TerryP]

I'd welcome him back but not let him near meetings or the practice field.

Yesterday, I heard him on Finebaum talking about planning on being on the practice field. He did say he wasn't going to be there everyday, but he looked forward to offering his advice to Mac and Nuss during practices.

One thing that's still amusing me is seeing so many talk about how Coach Mac said he would welcome Spurrier around the program. I understand that. Much like any other program it's good to have alum's around—especially those who have been very successful.

But again, I have to ask. What choice did Mac have but to say positive things about Spurrier?

 

[OldPlayer]

If he is on the field and offers advice, isn't that another on-field coach? When Kiffin came to Alabama as a consultant, he was not allowed on the field during practice. His consulting was based on video and review of the playbook.

 

[riz]

Interesting move but one that will be welcomed by the rank and file gator fan.

Thats it right there.

I know why they did it, I just don't know why they did it.

 

[TerryP]

@riz I'll tell ya right now ... I'm going to beat this drum until people fall in step. BAD, BAD move by UF.