Florida Gators Head Coach Search: McElwain Appears To Be Leader

Add another name to the list of candidates to replace Will Muschamp at the University of Florida.

As reports swirl that Colorado State’s Jim McElwain and Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley are meeting in Colorado, there is now a report the school will reach out to current Philadelphia Eagles head coach, Chip Kelly.

According to SI.com, “University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley will contact Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly this week to gauge his interest in coaching the Gators, CBS Philly's Marc Farzetta reports.

Florida is seeking to replace Will Muschamp, who was dismissed on Nov. 16 after going 28-21 in four seasons. He was allowed to finish the regular season but will not coach the team in a bowl game.

"Foley does not plan to officially interview Kelly yet, but will simply gauge Kelly’s interest and make his first pitch," a source told Farzetta.

Kelly is currently in his second season in the NFL after serving as the head coach at Oregon from 2009 to 2012. Kelly had a 46-7 record with the Ducks and qualified for a BCS bowl in each of his four seasons.

The Eagles are currently in first place in the NFC East at 9-3. In Kelly's first year with the team, Philadelphia won the NFC East but lost in the first round of the NFL postseason.

Kelly may get a call, especially now that it appears Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze and the school’s athletic department have reached a contract extension, but it appears the Gators have their sights set on another head man first.

ESPN.com is reporting that Foley has been in Colorado to meet with McElwain and could offer him the Gators job before he leaves.

McElwain is 22-16 in three seasons at Colorado State, including 10-2 this year. The Rams were one of two Group of 5 teams with victories this season over two Power 5 conference teams, defeating Colorado and Boston College.

Named the Mountain West Conference's coach of the year on Tuesday, McElwain has turned the Rams into an offensive powerhouse. Colorado State averages 498 yards per game (13th best in the nation), while boasting the nation's second most efficient quarterback in Garrett Grayson and the top receiver by yards per game (149.1) and touchdowns (17) in Rashard Higgins.

Before taking over Colorado State, McElwain, a Montana native, was Alabama's offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2008 through 2011.

Should the Gators look at other coaches to fill the position, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels name has surfaced as a potential candidate.

When asked about the job, McDaniels said he was on the game against San Diego this week.