Gov. Charlie Crist interviewed UNF President John Delaney at Cecil Field Aug. 19 to replace Sen. Mel Martinez, who has announced he will be resigning.

Delaney said if offered the position he would have to consult the UNF board of trustees.

And if the board cannot grant him a leave of absence, he said that he probably couldn’t accept the offer, he said.

“It would be a great opportunity,” Delaney said.

Delaney said he has not spoken with any other UNF officials as of yet.

“I’ve got a great job at UNF, and I think the governor has some great choices,” Delaney said.

Minutes before interviewing Delaney, Crist interviewed Fla. State Rep. Jennifer Carroll. Carroll represents District 13, which encompasses parts of Duval and Clay counties.

Both Delaney and Carroll acknowledged they were not interested in running for re-election if offered the position.

Delaney said not having to campaign or fundraise for a re-election makes the position very attractive.

Crist spoke very highly of  Delaney calling him a great friend and a great mayor.

“John Delaney [is] a great president at the University of North Florida, and someone I think incredibly highly of,” Crist said.

Crist refused to say when a candidate will be appointed, but it will happen before Sep. 8, he said.