Planes, Twitter And Automobiles: The Saga To Land Jim McElwain Plays Out On Social Media

DENVER (CBS4) – It’s unclear whether Colorado State football coach Jim McElwain will leave the Rams after spending just three years turning the program around.

But if speculation on Twitter is to be believed — and, frankly, where else will you tolerate the guessing of strangers? — McElwain was at least meeting with University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on Tuesday afternoon in Fort Collins.

RT @SteveCoxDenver: Source: #Florida AD Sets Meeting With #CSU’s McElwain cbsloc.al/1ydOIWI #collegefootball #Football

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  (@CBSDenver) December 02, 2014

Here’s a peek into how the breathless, soap opera-like chase for McElwain played out — 140 characters at a time.

I love that Twitter is documenting literally every move Foley makes. "He landed!" "Out of the plane!" "Standing at McElwain's door!" Lol

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Matt Tenney (@TenneyUF) December 02, 2014

And he was, according to some reports — and a gaggle of media outside. It’s not confirmed that he brought his own food, however:

Should've had a pizza box in hand. RT @MattStephens: Florida AD Jeremy Foley is at Jim McElwain's home now. No one is answering the door."

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Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 02, 2014

By the way, to set the scene, here’s McElwain’s house:

Foley inside meeting with McElwain. http://t.co/uaLQbONcf2

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Erin Hull (@erinfhull) December 02, 2014

But first, Foley and top staff flew a charter jet from Gainesville, Florida, to Fort Collins.

Another photo of Florida AD Jeremy Foley's plane. http://t.co/thlgoTvfRQ

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Matt L. Stephens (@MattStephens) December 02, 2014

Here’s another view. (Note: Plane is not to scale and CBS4 hasn’t confirmed the quote.)

“@Ranzington: Flight Aware maps seem to indicate Foley's plane is making its approach to Fort Collins. http://t.co/00a2z8nXrN” Gatas...

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Heidi (@TropicalNole) December 02, 2014

Sorry, Mountain West fans, but it’s tough to compete with the SEC:

Not to be outclassed by Florida, CSU has fired up their own plane in hope of retaining McElwain http://t.co/sgEvi1hExy

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Colin Daniels (@southstands303) December 02, 2014

Then a car thought to be carrying Foley drove to McElwain’s home:

The white SUV arrives at McElwain home http://t.co/eijHL4DPgm

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Terry Frei (@TFrei) December 02, 2014

It’s unclear, however, if this vehicle is involved:

Foley's plane belongs to a Jax-based booster? I choose to believe it belongs to the Master Gator. http://t.co/CzwW54aQ96

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George P. Burdell (@JortsTorture) December 02, 2014

Let’s back up a bit. Thanksgiving hadn’t passed, and the speculation began:

Jim McElwain has led Colorado State to a 10-1 record, but where will he coach next year? VID: bit.ly/11puUXf http://t.co/PnX0qBX4pv

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120 Sports (@120Sports) November 24, 2014

This sports journalist thought a Colorado State victory over Air Force on Friday, coupled with previously unbeaten Marshall’s loss, would help keep McElwain at CSU:

Colorado State one step closer to keeping McElwain with that Marshall loss.

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Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) November 28, 2014

But then this happened:

Air Force beats Colorado State on a last second field goal. McElwain's fourth down gamble lost the game

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Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 29, 2014

In the end, common sense — and dollars — will likely prevail.

Can't be mad at McElwain. He'd be a fool not to listen to Florida. These break-ups (if it happens) are never easy. Every coach flirts.

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Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 02, 2014

Total guess: Four years, $3.5-$4M/year base. RT @ScottStogner: what's realistic years/money for McElwain you think?

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Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) December 02, 2014