Tim Tebow weighs in on Florida coaching search, dismisses himself as candidate

Tim Tebow wants Florida to find the “next great leader” of the Gators football program. After Billy Napier was fired earlier in the week, the Florida head coaching search has begun.

Tebow — one of the all-time great leaders in Florida football history — weighed in on the Gators’ coaching search. However, he expelled himself from the situation by shooting down any potential rumors that he could be moving into the coaching industry.

“No it doesn’t,” Tebow said on SportsCenter Saturday morning when asked whether becoming the next Gators head coach weighs his appetite.

Tebow instead laid out exactly what he wants to see from the next Florida headman. The former Heisman Trophy winner revealed a laundry list of expectations for the next man to get the job.

“You’ve got to find someone that can galvanize the fan base and and bring Gator Nation back to where they want to go and back to where they’ve been,” Tebow said. “I also think it’s really important to understand that they’re not that far away. This is a Florida team that has a really good defense and a very talented offense.

“… This cupboard is not bare, but you have to find someone that can really, galvanize, and also keep these players in a time where it’s so easy to leave and transfer — and they have an opportunity to do that.”

Tebow hyped up freshmen Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson as two of the best young receivers in the country. Everyone knows the type of potential DJ Lagway has under center, and Tebow praised the Gators’ offensive line and their rushing attack with Jadan Baugh and company.

Still, the Gators are off to a 3-4 start to the season — far below the lofty expectations that Florida entered the season with. Florida was ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll and were ranked as high as 13th before things went south. Napier was ousted from his position as a result

In the end, Napier ended his tenure with a 22-23 record overall. That includes a 12-16 record vs. SEC opposition.

“You need to find the next right coach that can inspire Gator Nation, keep these players and then bring in some more of them,” Tebow said. “Because this is a team that is very talented, offense, defense, special teams.

“They’re not that far away, but they’re going to need to find the next great leader. They’re going to find that person soon.”