Is Bell a candidate for UF opening?

OCALA — Jacksonville University head coach Kerwin Bell stopped short of saying he’s interested in Florida’s now-vacant offensive coordinator job.

He also stopped short of saying he isn’t interested.

“I’ve always said Florida is a special place for me,” Bell said when asked about the opening during a visit to Ocala on Wednesday. “It always has been. Greatest program in the country, greatest fans in the world.”

Bell did not say if he is a candidate for the position.

“I know Urban (Meyer) is going to make a great decision,” Bell said. “I love him as a head coach. He knows what he’s doing and he’ll make a great choice.”

Bell is a finalist for Div. 1-AA coach of the year honors, the Eddie Robinson Award, after leading a long-stagnant JU program to an 8-4 record and a conference title in his second season.

“I really love Jacksonville University,” he said. “I love the administration, I love the commitment we have there.”

Bell played quarterback at Florida under Galen Hall beginning in 1984 when, as a freshman, he led the Gators to a 9-1-1 record.

Prior to that, he led Lafayette High School to the 1981 state championship.

Current UF offensive coordinator Dan Mullen accepted Mississippi State’s head coaching vacancy earlier this week.