The University of Florida served Will Muschamp his walking papers in November, but it looks like the former Gators head coach may have gotten the last laugh in that arrangement.
Florida Making Last-Ditch Effort for Blue Chip Recruits
Muschamp struggled to build an efficient offense in his years in Gainsville, but his reputation as a defensive wizard has remained unblemished. After being fired from UF, he moved to in-conference rival Auburn to take over the Tigers' open defensive coordinator position. And now the nation's no. 1 overall recruit will be joining him.
Newly-hired Gators coach Jim McElwain was hoping that he and his staff could convince defensive end Byron Cowart to come to Florida, but after some initially wavering, Cowart felt comfortable placing his trust in Muschamp.
"It put the icing on the cake," Cowart said, via ESPN.com. "I was considering Auburn before, and it was a coincidence they got Coach Muschamp."
Recruit Chooses UCLA For Unique Reason
Muschamp had originally reached out to Cowart while still at Florida. Cowart was respectful towards McElwain and his new staff, and indicated their paths may cross in the near future.
"It's not their fault they're new," Cowart said. "In the recruiting process, (coaches) tell you what you want to hear and when you get there, everything switches. They knew it was just hard going with some guys I didn't really know but I gave them the benefit of the doubt.
"They're great guys, and I talked to Coach Mac when I took my visit to Florida. I spent an hour with him before I left. I know he's going to get that program going. Florida's going to be on the rise. I knew in the back of my head I'm still going to have to see them in the playoffs because I know what's to come."
If Auburn and Florida ever do meet in the College Football Playoff, you can bet Will Muschamp is going to be plenty pleased Cowart is rocking a Tigers jersey instead of a Gators one.
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