“If He Is Not Fired, I Will Leave,” Says Florida Gators AD Scott Stricklin Amid Rift Between Head Coach and Star Player
WACO, TX — In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the college football world, Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin has issued an ultimatum that could send shockwaves through the University of Florida’s storied football program. Speaking at a leadership conference in Waco, Texas, Stricklin declared that he would resign from his post if embattled head football coach Marcus Donahue is not dismissed amid a rapidly escalating feud with the team’s star quarterback.
“This isn’t about egos or records,” Stricklin said during a press conference following his speech. “It’s about culture. It’s about how we treat our athletes and what we represent as a program. If Marcus Donahue is not fired, I will leave this university.”
The statement comes after weeks of rumors hinting at growing tension inside the Florida locker room. Sources close to the team describe a fractured relationship between Coach Donahue and junior quarterback Jalen McKnight — a preseason Heisman candidate and the face of Gators football. Reports suggest repeated clashes during practices, shouting matches over offensive schemes, and disagreements about leadership on and off the field.
Things reportedly came to a head after Florida’s stunning overtime loss to Kentucky, in which McKnight was benched in the final drive — a move that many players privately called “punitive” rather than tactical. The quarterback reportedly left the locker room without speaking to the media and did not attend team meetings the following day.
Behind the scenes, the dispute appears to have taken on larger dimensions, with players increasingly divided over their loyalty to the coach. A small but vocal group of team leaders have reportedly supported McKnight, while a shrinking group remains in Donahue’s corner. Meanwhile, booster groups and alumni have begun to apply pressure on university leadership, warning that donor support may dry up if the situation is not resolved swiftly.
Stricklin’s announcement shocked many, given his reputation as a measured and steady leader. A veteran administrator who helped steer Florida through previous coaching transitions and NCAA reforms, Stricklin has long been regarded as a stabilizing force in Gainesville. That he would go public with such a direct threat to resign signals how serious — and untenable — the situation has become.
“This is not a decision I make lightly,” he said. “But I cannot and will not be part of a culture that alienates its players and undermines the values of trust, respect, and unity.”
The University of Florida has yet to release an official statement, but insiders suggest that university president Ben Sasse is holding emergency meetings with trustees to weigh the options.
Fans and analysts are split, with many taking to social media under hashtags like #FireDonahue and #StandWithStricklin. Some are calling the move bold and necessary, while others question whether a player-coach conflict should dictate administrative decisions.
One thing is clear: the Florida Gators are at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming days will not only determine the fate of a coach and an athletic director, but may also reshape the culture of one of college football’s most iconic programs.
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