Spurrier Not Leaving

Florida Coach Steve Spurrier, preparing his third-ranked Gators for a Sugar Bowl showdown against No. 1 Florida State, said Thursday he’s not a candidate to replace June Jones with the Atlanta Falcons.

Three days after saying he was “willing to listen if they’re willing to call,� the winningest coach in the school’s history said he has told the Falcons he doesn’t want to be considered for the job.

“I appreciate whatever consideration they have for me and treat it as a compliment that an NFL team thinks I’m a worthy candidate,� Spurrier said in a one-paragraph statement released by the university. “I feel we have many more productive years here at Florida and I plan to be here as the Gator coach.�