As the college football season approaches its final stretch, rumors are swirling around Lane Kiffin and his future.
The Ole Miss head coach, currently guiding the Rebels to a 9-1 record and a No. 7 CFP ranking, is reportedly the top candidate for the Florida Gators following the midseason firing of Billy Napier.
The irony is not lost: the Gators’ prime target is the very coach trying to beat them on the field this week.
Florida announcer Frank Frangie recently offered insight into the situation during an appearance with Florida journalist Buddy Martin.
“My guess is Jimmy Sexton said Lane, ‘Let me do my job. Let me talk to all of them, and let’s get the best offer,'” Frangie said.
“So I do believe the Kiffin camp has spoken with both LSU and Florida, buddy…I think Florida is going to offer him the job, and I think Lane Kiffinis going to be the next Florida coach.”
Frangie was careful to temper expectations, noting, “that’s not definitive, but it’s been my gut all along. And I think you’re gonna see it happen.”
He even offered a timing prediction: “I wouldn’t be surprised to see an announcement between the regular season and the playoffs. That’d be my guess.”
Kiffin’s track record and ties to Florida make him a prime candidate
Since taking over at Ole Miss in 2020, Lane Kiffinhas compiled a 53-19 record, becoming the fastest coach in program history to reach 50 wins.
His success has attracted attention from multiple programs, including NFL teams, and made him a highly sought-after candidate for other SEC schools. While LSU is also reportedly interested, Kiffin’s ties to Florida stand out.
He spent three seasons coaching at FAU in Boca Raton, and his son Knox has listed Florida as a top-three choice in his recruitment.
Despite mounting speculation, Kiffin has maintained a focus on his current role. “I said it last week, and you guys think I was joking, or it was before South Carolina. Everybody wants to talk about other jobs and everything, and I think you are two or three weeks away from coaching for your own job,” he said.
“So, you better make sure you’re doing really well where you are. Because as we’ve seen out there, one [loss] might put you out of the top 10.”
Oddsmakers seem unconvinced by Kiffin’s public denials. BetOnline currently lists him at -300 to become Florida’s next head coach.
Industry insiders echo the sentiment. “Kiffin is considered to be the No. 1 choice for Florida,” reported Bruce Feldman and Ralph Russo. “It’s ultimately more about where he wants to be.”
If Lane Kiffin were to leave Oxford, Florida already has backup options lined up, including Washington coach Jedd Fisch, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, and potentially Louisville‘s Jeff Brohm.
