Florida recovering from $54.5M shortfall amid pandemic

FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2017, file photo, University of Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, left, smiles as he talks to Florida's new NCAA college football coach Dan Mullen after Mullen arrived at the airport in Gainesville, Fla. Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were able to weather with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizeable reserve. (AP Photo/Mark Long, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2020, file photo, Florida players get ready before an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla. Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were able to weather with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizeable reserve. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2020, file photo, Florida fans watch from the stands during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Gainesville, Fla. Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic, significant financial losses the Gators were able to weather with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizeable reserve. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)