Florida Gators: 25 Good and Not-So-Good Coaching Candidates

Former Gators – Coaches Edition

Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen with his daughter Breelyn Mullen celebrate their 38-23 victory over the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Mullen

The former Florida offensive coordinator and current head coach of No.1 Mississippi State is already hired by many Gator fans. Mullen oversaw quarterback development, helping mold Tim Tebow into the player every Gator quarterback now has to live up to. Mullen is definitely a hit at Mississippi State and they will try hard to keep him. But just last year, there was open debate about firing Mullen after putting up a 7-6 season. This is the Cadillac option. He’s a great choice but he’ll come with a price tag.

John “Doc” Holliday

If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Doc Holliday was a famous Old West gunslinger portrayed in several movies, including Gunfight at the OK Corral and Tombstone. If you closely follow the Gators, you’ll also know Doc Holliday as a former Urban Meyer assistant who’s now turning heads as the head coach of Marshall University. The Thundering Herd are undefeated, ranked No. 23 and have more to cheer about than the Gators. Holliday is a great recruiter and it is showing. He’s a strong pick for this job.

Steve Addazio

Boston College’s head coach is former Urban Meyer assistant. He’s the guy who didn’t get the job that they gave to Muschamp. His coaching record at BC is so-so, but he got the Eagles to a bowl last year and will probably do that this year, something Muschamp won’t be able to say. He’s certainly worth a look, though it’s not clear if Athletic Director Jeremy Foley wants a former Meyer assistant.

Charlie Strong

The Texas head coach has the job Muschamp was supposed to get. As the head coach in waiting in Texas, Muschamp was a hot coaching prospect that the Gators snapped up in 2010, further complicating  the eventual retirement of then head coach Mack Brown. The Longhorns hired former Gator defensive coordinator Strong from Louisville, but immediately there were concerns if he is the right “fit” for Texas, meaning he doesn’t like to BS with the boosters. Texas isn’t great right now and I’m sure fans wouldn’t mind getting a new coach. This could be done like baseball cards, just straight up Charlie for Will. People who say it won’t work this way aren’t thinking outside the box and using synergy and stuff.