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If we know anything for certain about Jim McElwain after his first press conference as the Florida Gators' head football coach, it is that he is a dog guy.
When asked about his offensive philosophy, McElwain called himself a mutt:
McElwain on offensive philosophy: "I'm that dog that was dropped off at the humane society that has a little bit of every breed in it."
— Daniel Morales (@DanielM_ITG) December 6, 2014
When asked about what he would call his offense — in contrast with Steve Spurrier's Fun 'n Gun — McElwain shrugged. Then he went back to gnawing on the same old bone:
McElwain on the name of his offense: "I don't know what you call it. It'll be a blast. How about the Humane Society?" #Gators
— Corey Brooks (@CoreyBrooksUF) December 6, 2014
And then, when asked about Florida's quarterback situation, and whether he could win with the QBs on the roster, he indicated that any dog will hunt.
McElwain on QBs: "You gotta understand this, I think I can win with my dog Clarabelle." (Jeff Driskel's ears perk up.)
— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) December 6, 2014
Apparently, 1) it's Clara-A-Belle, and 2) she's pretty good.
McElwain on his dog: "You oughta see how quick she is. She can really go, now."
— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) December 6, 2014
McElwain said a lot of other stuff about football, related life lessons learned from fellow Montanan Evel Knievel, and told a story about how money set aside for an outdoor kitchen got reappropriated to help pay for alma mater Eastern Washington's blood-red field, but all of that was way, way less important than McElwain showing that he is the dog in his fight.
After several years of rough times in Gainesville, we now have ruff times ahead.