Report: CSU's Jim McElwain a 'leading candidate' for Florida head coach job

Colorado State coach Jim McElwain is a "leading candidate" for the head coach position at the University of Florida, Pat Forde of Yahoo reports. Forde reports

Colorado State coach Jim McElwain is a "leading candidate" for the head coach position at the University of Florida, Pat Forde of Yahoo reports.

Forde reports that it is "unclear how many other candidates may be involved."

On Nov. 16, it was reported that then-Florida coach Will Muschamp would not return for the 2015 season. He still coached the team for the remainder of the season. Florida beat Eastern Kentucky the following Saturday, but lost Muschamp's last game against Florida State.

Colorado State went 10-2 this season, but lost to Air Force on the final play of the game on Saturday. The team's other loss this season came in September to Boise State

This is McElwain's third season as the head coach of the Rams. He went going 4-8 in his first year with the team, and improved to 8-6 last season.

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McElwain signed a five-year extension with Colorado State in August. His contract includes an initial buyout of $7.5 million.

Prior to being hired at Colorado State, McElwain spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Alabama.

- Sarah Barshop