First off let me say that I'm not a Muschamp defender and if he were let go at the end of this season it would be a bad break for him but college football is a tough business. His main downfall, in my opinion, has been a neglect of the offensive side of the ball and an unwillingness to embrace more modern offensive schemes. I don't believe UF needs to employ a "David" strategy of run first, manage the clock/ shorten the game to be successful. Although, I think Florida can also win by following Muschamp's stated philosophy of power football, dominating the LOS, and building a smothering defense. I don't think for a minute Muschamp is stupid or doesn't know how to coach football. I think if we step back for a minute there is at least an argument to be made that Muschamp inherited a mess and has done his best to hold it together.

Anyway, my main thought about Muschamp is that we simply don't know yet what kind of head coach he will become. As time passes by it becomes more obvious to me that he had a major rebuilding job in front of him. A rebuilding job that might not be as obvious to some because UF was so successful under Meyer and Tebow. That great short term run, however, seems to have come at a cost of fracturing the long term viability of the program.

At this point it has to be clear to everyone, except maybe the die hards, that UF had a major drug and discipline problem under Meyer. The problem with drug use I don't think can be understated. I don't need to list all the names here but there is an extensive record of failed drug tests (college is speculation but the NFL ones are there to see). If even some of the rumors are true that Meyer covered up failed drug tests with suspensions and bogus claims of injuries to protect his players then UF had serious issues. Recreational drug use sapped conditioning and team morale. What team parties until 3 AM on the eve of a championship game? There is also the 30 arrests in 6 seasons under Meyer. It also appears that Meyer gave preferential treatment to his star players. The players called it the "circle of trust". Lastly, there was the incident with WR coach Gonzales and his resignation, the details of that are available. Winning covered up what was a fairly out of control program.

Meyer's own health issues also can not be overlooked. As long as Meyer was there to reel in his guys there was at least a sense that somebody was in charge. But in 2009 and 2010 Meyer's scaled back involvement only deepened the problems. The player's sense of entitlement took over.

In 2011 its quite possible that Muschamp did not know what he was getting into. It is well documented that Muschamp had to weed out the roster. At least three players were dismissed for drug usage. By the time the roster was trimmed UF was down to 72 scholarship players. Quite literally the effect was similar to a serious self-imposed probation. UF had to win its bowl game to avoid a losing season. At the end of 2011 for the first time in 40 years there were no UF underclassmen in the draft. Only 2 Gators were at the NFL combine (4 seniors would make NFL rosters in 2012). From 2008-2010 UF did not sign a QB who anyone ever expected to actually play meaningful snaps at QB. The OL was similarily neglected.

Who would have won with this team? Not to mention winning in the SEC.

Perhaps Muschamp's biggest problem was winning 11 games with only a slightly better roster in 2012. Any close look at 2012 shows that this was a deeply flawed team that benefitted from winning almost all their close games, a +15 turnover margin, and some 4th qtr breaks. #103 in total offense, #114 in passing offense, #76 in scoring offense, #106 in sacks allowed, #115 in penalties.

2013 has been a lost season in part due to injuries. By my count 49 players saw action in the UGA game, only 49 also vs Mizzu. That is the lowest number of players to see the field going as far back as 2006 when I stopped looking. 10 of the 22 starters vs UGA had never started a game prior to this season. A true freshman started at RB and CB, a former 2 star WR started at QB. A TE who hadn't caught a pass all season made his 6th start. Two transfers and a JC recruit held down the OL. Another JC recruit started on the DL.

By 2014 there will be but a handful of Meyer era players remaining. Muschamp will more than likely be operating at full scholarship limits for the first time. He will have had time to build his roster with his players. He will have a senior QB and an experienced back up. He will also most likely sign a top QB. He will have a stable of running backs. OL will be a concern but there will be bodies to fill out a two deep. WR is still a work in progress- Dunbar,Fulwood and Robinson, maybe the return of Debose, and a big time recruit.

On the defense, depends on underclassmen going early, but their is depth on the defense everywhere except maybe the DL. 15 signees at DL and LB from the 2012 and 2013 classes. Deep secondary. He has held red shirts where he could that will help in the long run.

I think Muschamp should get a 4th year. I would like to see him make changes to the offense, but he has recruited to what he wants. I would like to see less penalties but UF is highly penalized- every year. But realy no excuses in 2014- there are none left.

Besides, I don't see another coach available whom UF could get that would be a game changer. I would be hesitant to fire Muschamp unless you had another guy locked up.