The University of Florida announced the mutual parting of
head football coach Jim McElwain on Sunday following an odd week that was capped off with a 42-7 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.
McElwain held a 22-12 overall record in his two and a half seasons over the program, but a 3-4 start to the 2017 season, inability to make changes on offense and internal issues that escalated over the last week led to his demise.
Current players reacted on Twitter before and after the announcement. Reports of the firing hit social media before an official announcement was made, and before players were informed, which led some of them to post their thoughts on how the situation was handled.
Some former Florida players, as well as former players under McElwain, also gave their thoughts on it.
Here is what they said:
Current Players
Redshirt sophomore center T.J. McCoy:
I’m thankful for the real Gator fans. You know things didn’t go our way this year. But this team will fight for the rest of the season
— TJ McCoy (@Iamtjmccoy) October 29, 2017
Freshman quarterback Jake Allen:
We have to find out through twitter?!!
— Jake Allen (@JakeAllen_12) October 29, 2017
Redshirt junior quarterback Luke Del Rio:
Gotta love finding these things out through twitter…. a heads up would’ve been nice
— Luke Del Rio (@Ldelrio12) October 29, 2017
Sophomore wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland:
I don’t know what to believe ♂️
— Cleve (@Tyrie_1) October 29, 2017
Sophomore running back Lamical Perine:
Dang crazy how social media have to tell you things ✌
— LP (@LP_deucedeuce) October 29, 2017
Freshman defensive lineman Zachary Carter:
With all the chaos going on im proud to be a gator and I hope Gator Nation is too‼️ #Loyal
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) October 29, 2017
Sophomore wide receiver Josh Hammond:
I’m confused ¯\_( ˘͡ ˘̯)_/¯
— Josh Hammond (@J_Hammond10) October 29, 2017
Freshman defensive back Shawn Davis:
I love being a gator plenty more ball left
— Shawn Davis ll (@Iam_sd31) October 29, 2017
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Antonio Riles:
Soooo… pic.twitter.com/nSZ0AdfkXW
— milesNdMILESof_riles (@Tee_Riles) October 29, 2017
Redshirt junior kicker Eddy Pineiro:
Whatever happens today just know that @CoachMcElwain has been a father figure and a great mentor in my life and family’s life. #GotyourBack
— Eddy Piñeiro (@eddypineiro1) October 29, 2017
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Nick Villano:
Speechless
— Nicholas Villano (@7Big_N1) October 29, 2017
Freshman defensive back Brad Stewart:
Crazy ishhh !!!
— Brad Stewart jr. (@B_Stew5) October 29, 2017
Freshman linebacker Nick Smith:
Now what…
— . (@NSmith2017) October 29, 2017
Senior running back Mark Thompson:
It’s sad that at the end of the day its all business.. everyone just looking out for themselves. ♂️
— Mark Thompson (@InMarkWeTrust) October 29, 2017
Freshman tight end Kemore Gamble:
Que come again what just happen ⁉️
— |HUMBLE| (@kemoregamble15) October 29, 2017
Freshman wide receiver DaQuon Green:
We still got missions to accomplish‼️
— DaQuon Green (@iamDG7) October 29, 2017
Sophomore defensive back McArthur Burnett:
Thanks @CoachMcElwain for the opportunity to play at UF but most of all for helping me to overcome adversities off the field. He cared!
— McArthur Burnett (@Pahokee_Beast) October 29, 2017
Redshirt junior tight end C’yontai Lewis:
This is a time where no matter what’s going on, my coach and team needs your support. It’s hard for everyone #Gatornation we keep fighting
— C’yontai Lewis (@idunklewis) October 29, 2017
Other Reactions
Former Florida offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert:
Time to… Make Gator Football Great Again!
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88) October 29, 2017
Running back transfer Jordan Cronkrite:
There will not be any story about me and my former school. What’s in the past is in the past.
— Cronk (@JCronkk) October 29, 2017
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy
College Football’s coaching carousel is a cruel and irrational ride. I hope @CoachMcElwain gets to go somewhere where he is appreciated.
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) October 29, 2017