Florida Shifts focus in Coaching Search, No Longer pursuing Lane Kiffin
GAINESVILLE, FL – The University of Florida has reportedly ended its pursuit of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, turning its attention to other candidates as it seeks to fill its vacant head coaching position, according to reports Friday from On3 and ESPN.
For the past two weeks, both LSU and Florida had been actively attempting to recruit Kiffin. Though,florida officials grew concerned over what they described as “irregular” and “erratic” dialogue from Kiffin,leading them to believe he was not genuinely interested in the job. The program is now focusing on candidates including Washington coach Jedd Fisch, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key, and Tulane coach Jon Sumrall.
The progress marks a important turn in Florida’s coaching search, which began after the firing of billy Napier. Kiffin, who previously coached at Florida Atlantic from 2017-2019, appeared to be a strong contender, particularly given his ties to the state – his ex-wife is a Florida alumna and his late father, Monte Kiffin, was a longtime defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Reports indicated that members of Kiffin’s family traveled to Gainesville on November 16, the day before a visit to Baton Rouge, further fueling speculation about his interest. Though, Kiffin is now reportedly weighing offers from both LSU and his current position at Ole Miss, with a decision anticipated Saturday following the Rebels’ game against Mississippi State.
The shifting landscape also impacts other coaching searches. Missouri coach eli Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea both signed contract extensions with their respective schools Friday, removing them from consideration for the LSU position. Drinkwitz had been a target of LSU’s search, sources told The Advocate.
Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter stated during the ABC broadcast of the Egg Bowl that he anticipates Kiffin will remain at Ole Miss, though a final decision has not been made and the school has a contingency plan in place.
