Florida legend believes Tim Tebow could thrive as a coach

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Steve Spurrier is a great football mind and knows what it takes to succeed at Florida.

The former Gators quarterback won the Heisman Trophy in 1966 before returning to Gainesville as head coach in 1990. During his 12-year tenure, Spurrier led Florida to seven SEC championships and the first national championship in program history.

The Florida legend believes another Gators Heisman Trophy winner could find similar success on the sidelines if he ever decided to pursue coaching.

Spurrier said he believes Tim Tebow's leadership and personality would make him a natural fit for the profession.

"When the coaching job came up here, I mentioned to somebody, if they hired Tim Tebow, I think he would be a great coach," Spurrier said at the Florida Legends Card Show in Gainesville on August 23. "I mentioned it to him one day and he said he enjoys what he's doing now, but he said 'If they offered me the job, I'd have to pray on it.' So, he didn't say no."

For Spurrier, Tebow's leadership qualities are what stand out most.

"But he's a natural coach, his leadership, his 'C'mon, let's go.' The great coaches have that leadership ability. And Coach (Jon) Sumrall's a lot like that, too. Coach Sumrall I think is going to really do a fantastic job here."

Spurrier had already had an extensive resume, coaching for 12 years before returning to the Swamp.

Tebow, meanwhile, has never coached at any level. The 39-year-old currently works as a college football analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network and remains heavily involved with the Tim Tebow Foundation, which focuses on serving vulnerable communities around the world.

Former Florida Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel believes Tebow's work away from football reflects the same competitive mentality he displayed throughout his playing career.

"That's also to me what's led to all his advocacy on some pretty tough issues, where he's fighting for vulnerable kids and the traffic stuff that they do," Wuerffel said. "He's continued that warrior mentality into making some things better in the world."

For now, Tebow appears content with his work in broadcasting and with his foundation. But should he ever decide to take the coaching sideline, Spurrier believes the former star would have the necessary intangibles to do so.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida legend believes Tim Tebow could thrive as a coach

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