New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reportedly is being vetted by the Florida Gators for the school's head coaching job.  McDaniels is one of several candidates on Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley's list of potential coaches, according to Scott Roussel of FootballScoop.com.

McDaniels, the former Denver Broncos head coach and current Patriots play caller, reportedly is under consideration to take over the Florida football program.

Per Roussel:

"Now, here is the other one that I heard...Per sources, I understand that Foley considers New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels a viable candidate and is vetting him as well. McDaniels, the former Denver Broncos head coach, has been with the Patriots the past few years after his one year stint with the Rams (as offensive coordinator) didn't work out. Other than his two years with the Broncos as head coach and his year with the Rams, McDaniels has spent most of the past decade with the Patriots in various capacities and would come with the very high recommendation of Robert Kraft and more importantly Bill Belichick. McDaniels first coaching job was as a grad assistant at Michigan State ... wait for it ... under Nick Saban."

Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze and Colorado State coach Jim McElwain both have also been mentioned as potential candidates, according to Roussel.

Foley announced on Nov. 16 coach Will Muschamp would be stepping down after the season, following Florida's 23-20 loss at home to South Carolina.  On Saturday, the Gators (6-5) suffered a 24-19 loss to Florida State.

"We've had our opportunities," Muschamp said, according to the Associated Press.  "You look at two other games where we had the game in hand and had our opportunities to get it done and we didn't get it done.  It falls on my shoulders, and that's why they're going to be looking for a coach."