Will Muschamp: 'This locker room's better than it was 4 years ago'

Outgoing Florida coach says he has no 'hard feelings or regrets'

"I know this locker room's better than it was four years ago," Florida coach Will Muschamp told the media in his first news conference after the decision was made that he wouldn't return in 2015.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Outgoing Florida football coach Will Muschamp said Monday he remains focused on getting his team ready for their next two games.

Muschamp spoke to the media for the first time since the school announced he wouldn't return next season.

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"I know this locker room's better than it was four years ago," Muschamp said. "There's no question about that and where we've come."

Muschamp, who was hired to replace Urban Meyer, said he was disappointed that the Gators (5-4, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) weren't able to win enough games, but he said the roster was "deep and talented" and reinforced that the cupboard isn't bare.

"So don't let that new guy tell you he ain't got no players," Muschamp said.

Athletic director Jeremy Foley said Muschamp is "everything that's right about college athletics."

"That's not just lip service," Foley said. "That is the flat-out truth."

Foley said he is proud to call Muschamp a friend.

Muschamp called Florida a special place with special people.

"I don't leave with any hard feelings or regrets at all," Muschamp said.

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Foley said the search to find the next coach would begin immediately. Although he wouldn't specify the type of coach he wanted to hire, Foley said the next coach would have high integrity and character and "a track record of success on the offensive side of the ball."

That's a contrast from Muschamp, who came to Florida in 2011 after serving as defensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting at Texas under Mack Brown.

Despite whatever speculation has been written about the search for the next coach, Foley said he hasn't contacted anyone yet.

"We will not disrupt people's seasons," Foley said.

Muschamp will coach the final two regular-season games against Eastern Kentucky and top-ranked Florida State, but not a potential bowl game. The Gators need one victory to become bowl eligible.

Foley said it was Muschamp's decision not to coach in a potential bowl game.

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Muschamp has a 27-20 record in his Florida tenure, including a 17-15 record against SEC opponents.

He admitted feeling as though the Gators were the victims of "buzzard's luck" last season because of all the injuries that contributed to their 4-8 finish. It was the team's first losing season since 1979.

When asked if he planned to coach in 2015, Muschamp said he hasn't given any thought to what he'll do next.

"That's what I've done my whole life," he said. "I can't imagine me not doing it, but again, I want to do what's best for me and my family."

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