Florida administrators are reportedly looking into whether they can fire head coach Jim McElwain with cause after failing to find any evidence to back his claim that he had received death threats against his family and players.

According to an ESPN report, which was published during the Gators' 42-7 loss to No. 3 Georgia on Saturday, university officials are discussing whether the allegations are enough to relieve the school of paying the $12.9 million buyout should it part ways with McElwain.

From ESPN:

Sources told ESPN that they believe the university has enough cause to fire McElwain without having to pay his buyout. Sources also said that if McElwain were to be relieved of his duties, defensive coordinator Randy Shannon would be asked to be the team's interim coach.

McElwain told reporters Monday that he had received death threats against his players and his family.

"There's a lot of hate in this world and a lot of anger, and yet it's freedom to show it," McElwain said. "The hard part is when the threat's against your own players, death threats to your families, the ill will that's brought upon out there."

It was reported Saturday morning that Florida was negotiating a buyout with McElwain’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, but the school issued a statement denying the report.