Like I said, this was a series of evaluations. Lopez's tenure ended Monday with the announcement by UF athletics director Jeremy Foley that Lopez will not return to coach the Gators next season. Florida will buy out the final three years on Lopez's contract. Last summer, Lopez turned down the head coaching job at University of California-Irvine to remain at Florida. This year has been a blessing.
Nobody understands it.
My wife understands it, I understand it. One day I hope my children will understand it. Lopez was forced to use three pitchers recovering from off-season Tommy John surgery in his starting rotation. Also, Florida lost senior slugger Jason Dill for 26 games between two suspensions and a broken hand. Senior pitcher Jeff Cardozo missed the season with a shoulder injury and senior reliever Kenny Birch was lost for the season when he broke his jaw after being struck in the face with a line drive on April 8 against Kentucky.