McElwain denies interest in Oregon job: 'It really hasn’t crossed my mind'

We've reached the time of year where coaches have begun preparing for championship and bowl games, but also must answer questions about coaching vacancies.

Jim McElwain found himself in that position Wednesday, as the Florida head coach was forced to respond to rumors linking him to Oregon.

"I’ve got a heck of a job," McElwain told Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel. "In case anybody checked, this is the University of Florida. We’re playing in what they call the SEC Championship game. It really hasn’t crossed my mind."

The Ducks fired Mark Helfrich on Tuesday evening, leading to speculation of who would take over the program. McElwain's named popped up as he's from the Pacific Northwest, but the talk appears to be nothing more than just that.

"It's always interesting this time of year and how whatever comes out," McElwain said. "I haven't heard from Oregon. I don't know how it gets linked sometimes. I guess slow news day."

The Gators are preparing face Alabama in the SEC championship game Saturday. It's the second straight season McElwain has led Florida to an SEC East title.