GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Jim McElwain is seen on the field at the start of their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Report: Florida has started 'thoroughly vetting' one head coaching candidate

Florida fans might get hot and bothered by this news.

Florida's coaching search began a few weeks ago when the school and Jim McElwain parted ways. According to a report from Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel, the Gators may be getting closer to a decision as they are now "thoroughly vetting" former Oregon and NFL coach Chip Kelly.

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Thamel says that includes calls to NFL executives to do general background on Kelly and exploration of his NCAA issues at Oregon. Kelly got an 18-month show-cause penalty that's now expired and left the school with a few NCAA sanctions. That meant a reduction of scholarships and three years of probation, but no bowl ban.

Mississippi State's Dan Mullen and UCF's Scott Frost are believed to be the other two coaching favorites in the running for the Florida head coaching job. Florida likely wouldn't even talk to Frost until his regular season is over as the Knights are in the middle of an undefeated season and nobody is trying to mess with that. Mullen might be a bit different though as it's clear his team is not playing for the Playoff anymore and will make a bowl game for sure.