Jim McElwain could be headed to Florida. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
A $7.5 million buyout could be all that separates Colorado State coach Jim McElwain and the head coaching job at the University of Florida.
According to Yahoo Sports, McElwain is a leading candidate to replace Will Muschamp, who was fired as Gators head coach in November.
McElwain, a former assistant coach to Nick Saban at Alabama, has an offensive background — the top priority listed by Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley when Muschamp was dismissed — with experience in the Southeastern Conference.
Colorado State finished 10-2 and will return to a bowl game. The Rams won the New Mexico Bowl in 2013.
McElwain, 52, signed a contract extension with Colorado State prior to the start of the 2014 season that reportedly included a buyout clause of $7.5 million. The school can waive part or all of the clause, but such instances have been rare in recent years.
Foley is also reportedly planning to contact other candidates about the opening, including Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze.
