Could Steve Spurrier Come Back Home to Gainesville?

Sorry Gator Nation, it is not going to happen. The one thing Gator fans hope for more than anything will not be a wish granted for this holiday season.

Steve Spurrier is not coming home to save the day.

There have been rumors over the past few weeks regarding the Gators coaching position and potential candidates (even before Will Muschamp has been fired), which has led to speculation that Spurrier, the most famous and decorated head coach ever to walk the sideline at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, would return to his familiar post.

An October 18 story on CBSsports.com by Dennis Dodd began the speculation of a potential reunion between Spurrier and his alma mater. The “Ol’ Ball Coach” has been the leader if the South Carolina program since 2005. The Gamecocks have stumbled a bit this season after being picked by many in the media to win the SEC East division in 2014.

As Dodd wrote in his story…

“Is Florida AD Jeremy Foley going to drag this out or give Will Muschamp the Big Haircut immediately? Will Muschamp is gone. That much was assured after the embarrassing 42-13 loss to Missouri. Hell, Brady Hoke thinks Will Muschamp is gone.

Kidding, but you get the message. Foley's exit strategy regarding Florida's embattled coach is now the story. Not if, but when.

Listen to Gators fans chant 'Fire Muschamp'

Let the speculation begin regarding Muschamp's replacement and let it begin with Steve Spurrier. How cool would it be if Spur Dog ends his career as sort of a "bridge" to the next guy at Florida? Who knows, the way he's going Spurrier might last another 10 years. He's 69, looks 49 and all he wants to do is win.”

Nope, it is not going to happen.

The Florida Gators play the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville this weekend where the news off the field appears to be more important than the news on the field. Muschamp is still under fire with the athletic department. Treon Harris will replace Jeff Driskel as the starter at quarterback. Todd Gurley of Georgia is still dealing with his suspension by the NCAA.

At some point, the two teams and the media will have to focus on the game.

But any talk about Spurrier and his future plans have moved from speculation to just pure hogwash.

Kenley Young of Fox Sports reiterated the point in his Oct. 21 story.

“It appears Muschamp will retain his job for at least one more game, but if the Gators suffer another blowout when they meet the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 1, it's not at all clear what will happen next.

One thing that does seem clear, however, is that former Florida coach Steve Spurrier will not be riding into Gainesville to save the day should Muschamp get the ax.

The legendary Ol' Ball Coach spent the entire 1990s-plus coaching the Gators, leading them to six SEC championships and, of course, a national title in 1996. As such, Spurrier's name has been among those linked to any potential Florida coaching vacancy that might arise.

But Spurrier -- who's been coaching the South Carolina Gamecocks for 10 years now and has elevated that moribund program to unprecedented levels of success during his tenure -- doesn't seem interested in a return engagement at The Swamp ... although a return to the state of Florida does seem likely”

The list of potential hires to the Gator program has included names like Rich Rodriguez, Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, Hugh Freeze, Dan Mullen and Kerwin Bell. Once Spurrier’s name came up and gained some steam, he quickly stated what his position was and became part of the Young article.

"I tell everybody my next move is going to be to Crescent Beach, Fla.," Spurrier told 247 Sports on Tuesday. "That's where my next move is going to be to."

Sorry, Gator fans. It would have bene nice. But that kind of magic and dream only happens once in a lifetime. Spurrier already came home once. It is not happening again.