[gatortalk] Jim McElwain describes his No. 1 goal, updates staff status

Jim McElwain describes his No. 1 goal, updates staff status
Posted by: Chris Vannini on Monday December 22, 2014

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Jim McElwain was introduced as head coach at Florida 16 days ago, and only one staff hire has been made public: defensive coordinator Geoff Collins.

The Gators have a bowl game still to be played, and the previous coaching staff is mostly in place, so McElwain's biggest focus has been recruiting.

McElwain joined 620 WDAE in Tampa on Monday morning and was asked what his No. 1 goal is right now. The answer is recruiting.

"First and foremost, there are good players out there that have taken a look at us since we've gotten on board, some guys who haven't made their mind up yet," he said. "For us, creating roster balance is huge. It all starts with explosive playmakers at each position. That doesn't mean it has to be a guy with the ball in his hands all the time. It can be a guy who can change the game on the offensive line. It doesn't matter what position that is.

"We need to get our numbers back up on the offensive line. That's something we're really pounding on right now. … We've got a lot of scholarships to give, and for us, making sure it's the right fit. Not only great players, but great character and guys that fit the University of Florida."

The Gators have just eight commitments in the class of 2015, a class ranked No. 76 by 247Sports, so it makes sense that McElwain's initial focus would be there. McElwain has added one commitment since taking over.

But now that we're in a dead period, the focus can turn to staff. McElwain hinted that he has a number of hires in place, but they'll come aboard when seasons end — both college and NFL.

"We're in the process of putting it together," McElwain said. "We've got guys that are currently in major bowl games that will probably jump on board, and then some guys that maybe have an NFL game or maybe even some playoff games left. We're being patient.

"A piece of advice I've gotten from any head coach over the years, one thing you have to do is make sure you've got that staff right. Be patient. Make sure it checks all the boxes with recruiting ties, with coaching ability and with alike thinkers, guys that don't have separate agendas. It's about the family. At the end of the day, these kids are the reason we're here, and we've got to put everything we have into everything we do to help them be successful."

Stay tuned to the Coaching Search Ticker for the latest news.

Chris Vannini is in his third year with CoachingSearch.com and serves as its managing editor. He has previously written for The Detroit Free Press, The Oakland Press, The State News, MLive.com, 247Sports and SB Nation.  A graduate of Michigan State University, Chris lives in the Metro Detroit area.  Be sure to follow @coachingsearch and send emails to chris@coachingsearch.com.

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