Florida has dropped out of the running for Lane Kiffin amid inconsistent communication. LSU and Ole Miss now await his decision after the Egg Bowl.
Lane Kiffin No Longer in Play for Florida Job as LSU and Ole Miss Battle for His Final Decision
The college football coaching carousel took another dramatic turn Friday after new reports suggested Florida is no longer pursuing Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. According to outlets including On3 and ESPN, the Gators have pulled out of the race after two weeks of conversations that reportedly grew “irregular” and “erratic,” leaving school officials to believe Kiffin is not serious about taking the job in Gainesville.
With Florida stepping away, the high-profile tug-of-war now appears to be between LSU and Ole Miss, both of which are awaiting Kiffin’s final decision. That choice is expected Saturday, one day after the Rebels face Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.
Florida Steps Away After Uncertain Communications
Florida’s interest in Kiffin initially appeared strong. The Rebels head coach has deep ties to the state — he led Florida Atlantic from 2017 to 2019, his ex-wife is a University of Florida alumna, and his late father, Monte Kiffin, built his NFL legacy in the state as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ longtime defensive coordinator. His family even reportedly flew to Gainesville on Nov. 16, one day before a visit to Baton Rouge.
But according to Friday’s reports, concerns began to surface as Kiffin’s communication became inconsistent while the Gators continued to seek clarity. School officials reportedly interpreted his unclear messaging as a sign he was either leaning elsewhere or unwilling to commit. As a result, the Gators have shifted their focus toward other candidates, including Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall.
This shift marks a significant pivot for Florida, which hoped to make a bold move in its search to replace Billy Napier. Instead, sources say the school has decided not to wait any longer for Kiffin’s decision.
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LSU and Ole Miss Await Kiffin’s Answer
With Florida out, the center of gravity now sits firmly between LSU and Ole Miss. Kiffin has spent the last two weeks dodging questions about his future, focusing publicly on the Egg Bowl while private negotiations continue.
Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter told the ABC broadcast crew during Friday’s game that he “expects Lane to remain in Oxford,” but acknowledged that there is still no final answer. He also added that the university has a contingency plan in place if Kiffin decides to exit — a statement that underscores just how uncertain the situation remains.
LSU, meanwhile, has made its interest clear. The Tigers view Kiffin as a transformative offensive mind capable of competing with Alabama, Georgia, and Texas in the future expanded SEC landscape. Sources say LSU has been aggressive in its pursuit, though specifics of the offer remain private.
Kiffin is reportedly weighing both options seriously, and his final decision is expected no later than Saturday.
Other Coaching Moves Shake Up the SEC Landscape
The chaos surrounding Kiffin’s decision is happening alongside major movements elsewhere in the SEC. Before the Egg Bowl even kicked off, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea signed contract extensions with their respective programs.
Drinkwitz’s extension is especially notable. According to sources speaking with The Advocate, Drinkwitz was among LSU’s early targets before the school narrowed its focus to Kiffin. The Missouri coach’s extension effectively removes him from the conversation and increases the pressure on LSU to land its top choice.
Clark Lea’s extension at Vanderbilt also signals stability as the Commodores continue a multi-year rebuild.
The coaching landscape is shifting rapidly, but all eyes remain on Oxford as Kiffin’s decision looms.
Why Lane Kiffin Is the Center of Attention
Few coaches in college football carry as much intrigue — and unpredictability — as Lane Kiffin. His offensive creativity, ability to recruit high-level talent, and history of quick program turnarounds make him one of the most coveted names in the sport.
Since arriving at Ole Miss, he has revived the program, delivering explosive offenses and raising expectations. But his career has also been marked by sudden exits, bold moves, and a willingness to embrace major job changes. That unpredictability is part of what made Florida uneasy over the last two weeks, according to reporting.
Kiffin’s final decision could reshape not only Ole Miss and LSU’s futures but also the trajectory of the SEC heading into its expanded 16-team era in 2025.
What Comes Next
A decision is expected Saturday, and both fan bases — Ole Miss and LSU — are anxiously awaiting the news. Ole Miss hopes to retain the coach who brought new energy and national recognition back to the program. LSU, meanwhile, is aiming to land a marquee hire that can push the Tigers back into championship contention.
No matter where Kiffin lands, his choice will set off another ripple effect across college football’s coaching market. Programs that miss out on him will pivot, candidates will shift, and the SEC — already the most competitive conference in the country — will once again see major realignment within its coaching ranks.
For now, one thing is certain: Florida is officially out, and the Lane Kiffin sweepstakes are down to two.
