We're entering the final month of the college football season, and as such, there is plenty happening around the sport both on and off the field. We had our first surprising coach firing of the year with Florida's decision to part ways with Jim McElwain, and there are plenty of rumors to sort through regarding who they want to replace him. Here's all the latest you need to know:
Willie Taggart shuts down rumors
Taggart had success at USF before moving to Oregon last offseason and he says he's committed to staying in Eugene. However, the rumors grew so rampant that he addressed the Florida rumors with the Ducks and is not a candidate for job, according to The Oregonian's Andrew Greif.
Willie said he responded, “Are you shi—kidding me?”
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) November 1, 2017
Taggart has a career 45-49 record, but rebuilt programs at both Western Kentucky and USF before moving to Oregon. The Ducks are 4-4 on the season.
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Scott Frost the betting favorite for the job
While Taggart may have taken himself out of the running, current UCF head coach Scott Frost is firmly in the mix, according to NBC Sports Northwest beat writer Aaron Fentress.
Oregon coach Willie Taggart is not going to become the new coach at Florida, according to sources.
So we can squash any speculation on that front right away. But Central Florida coach Scott Frost, a former UO assistant, very well could become the Gator’s new coach, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
In fact, he as even emerged as the betting favorite for the job.
Scott Frost has leap-frogged Dan Mullen in the odds, he's now at EVEN money to be named Florida's next head coach.
— OddsShark (@OddsShark) November 1, 2017
https://t.co/ePWGMIkQIF
Frost is in his second season with the Knights, posting a 12-7 record in his tenure, including a 7-0 mark and #15 ranking in the AP poll. The former Nebraska quarterback has also been linked to the Nebraska head job if they decide to fire Mike Riley.
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Dan Mullen "really happy" at Mississippi State
Frost has moved past Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen as the betting favorite, largely because of Mullen's seeming lack of interest in the job. At his press conference earlier this week, he addressed the rumors, saying he's "really happy" in Starkville.
Dan Mullen addresses Florida rumor: 'I'm really happy here; we've been through this before and I'm still here.' pic.twitter.com/uOk8UqWzRi
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeWTVA) October 30, 2017
Mullen was the offensive coordinator at Florida from 2005-2008 before leaving for the Mississippi State head job. He was a candidate to replace Will Muschamp before the Gators hired McElwain but opted to not pursue the job in Gainesville.
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