Meeting Held With Players To Tell Them Of Muschamp Firing; Press Conference Tomorrow

A meeting was held today at 1 pm to inform the players of the firing of Gator football coach Will Muschamp.

A person in the meeting told ESPN 850 sports the meeting lasted only about 10 minutes and described the meeting as “emotional.”   The meeting was attended by Muschamp and Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley.  Both spoke to the team.

ESPN 850 sports also spoke to a player who attended the meeting and he confirmed the meeting was an emotional one.   Asked if the firing was expected, the player said he thought Muschamp would have had the chance to finish the year before any decision was made.

The same player said that Muschamp would coach the team for its final two games of the season.

Other players exiting the meeting said they were “confused” and “didn’t know how to describe things” after attending the meeting.  One described the situation as a “tough thing” and another player said the team “loved” Muschamp.  Most of the players who left the meeting came out in small groups although there were a few players who left the meeting alone.

After the meeting, statements were released from Foley and Muschamp.   Foley said in part that he would “…be forever grateful to Will and his staff for their unwavering commitment to the University of Florida and the mission of the athletic program.”  Foley went on to say that Muschamp is “as fine a man as you will ever meet and I will always cherish our relationship with him and his family.”

Muschamp, in his statement, said he was grateful for the opportunity given him to coach at Florida but in part also said “…I simply didn’t win enough games, that’s the bottom line.  I’m disappointed that I didn’t get it done and it is my responsibility to get it done.”

A press conference will be held tomorrow at noon and expected to attend will be Foley, Muschamp and University of Florida president Bernie Machen.