Florida coaching rumors tracker: Latest news on Lane Kiffin, Eli Drinkwitz, more potential Billy Napier replacements originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The coaching carousel is busy, and Florida finds itself near the center of it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile LSU and Penn State are among the major programs competing for some of the top coaches on the market, the Gators know their prestige still means something. Will it be enough to lure a big name to Gainesville?
Whether Florida can pull off a coup and land Lane Kiffin or is forced to look at other options, the next coach of the Gators will have sky-high expectations to compete with the very best in the loaded SEC.
Ole Miss vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics Keith Carter said an update regarding Kiffin's future will take place next Saturday following the Rebels' clash with Mississippi State, so we could find out if he's headed to Gainesville soon.
The Sporting News is tracking the latest Florida coaching rumors as the Gators search for Billy Napier's replacement. Follow along below as updates come in.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE:Tracking LSU's coaching search news and rumors
Florida coaching rumors tracker
Eli Drinkwitz signs an extension with Mizzou
Date: Thursday, November 27
Source: Pete Thamel
Drinkwitz has signed an extension with Missouri. ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that the salary increase will move Drinkwitz to an average annual salary of more than $10.7 million over the deal, with increased funding for staff and salary.
LSU believed to have momentum over Florida for Kiffin
Date: Nov. 22
Source:Matt Zenitz
According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz and John Talty, Kiffin is an obvious candidate for both the open Florida and LSU jobs. But according to CBS Sports, LSU is believed to have the momentum to ultimately land the Rebels' coach.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlorida still "in the mix" to land Kiffin behind LSU
Date: Nov. 22
Source:Pete Thamel
Appearing on ESPN's 'College GameDay' on Saturday morning, Pete Thamel reported that the main competition for Ole Miss appears to be LSU. Thamel added that the Tigers have made Kiffin their sole focus, whereas Florida has cast a wide net and has met with multiple candidates face to face.
Florida prepared to offer Kiffin $13M per year
Date: Nov. 21
Source:On3's Brett McMurphy
According to McMurphy, Florida is prepared to offer Kiffin a contract in the $13 million-per-year range. While LSU appears to be the more likely landing spot should Kiffin decide to leave Ole Miss, the Gators have not waved the white flag.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOle Miss' extension offer comparable to LSU, Florida's contract proposals
Date: Nov. 21
Source: ESPN's Mark Schlabach
The Rebels have already offered a lengthy contract extension to Kiffin, one that is similar in value to that of the offers LSU and Florida have put forward, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach. He'll get eight days to figure out his future, with Schlabach reporting that Ole Miss officials want time to prepare a transition plan in case Kiffin does depart.
Announcement on Kiffin's future coming Nov. 29, per Ole Miss vice chancellor
Date: Nov. 21
Source: Ole Miss vice chancellor Keith Carter
Ole Miss vice chancellor Keith Carter vowed that an update on Kiffin's future will be provided next Saturday following the Rebels' Nov. 28 bout with Mississippi State. The administrator released a statement on X urging calm as Ole Miss readies for its rivalry game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Despite the outside noise, Coach Kiffin is focused on preparing our team for the Egg Bowl, and together, we want to ensure that our players and coaches can concentrate fully on next Friday's game," Carter wrote. "An announcement on Coach Kiffin's future is expected the Saturday following the game.
Florida athletic officials meet with Kiffin's reps
Date: Nov. 21
Source: 247Sports' Graham Hall
247Sports' Graham Hall reported on Friday morning that officials from Florida's athletic department met with representatives of Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin meeting with Ole Miss AD on Friday
Date: Nov. 20
Source: Chris Low
According to On3's Chris Low, Kiffin is set to meet with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter on Friday:
We should have a further indication on where things stand with Kiffin and Ole Miss after this meeting, or so you'd think.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFurther reporting indicates Florida's Jon Sumrall meeting 'called off'
Date: Nov. 19
Source:Pete Nakos
While On3's Zach Abolverdi indicated earlier on Nov. 19 that Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall was expected to meet with Florida, On3's Pete Nakos then shot down those rumors a few hours later.
Per Nakos, the meeting between Sumrall and Florida has been "called off." Sumrall will reportedly no longer be interviewing with Florida on Thursday, with Albolverdi also saying that Sumrall is" removing his name from the mix in Florida’s coaching search."
Florida meeting with Tulane's Jon Sumrall
Date: Nov. 19
Source:Zach Abolverdi
Zach Abolverdi of On3Sports reported that Florida is expected to meet with Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall.
Sumrall is 40-11 as a head coach, at both Troy and Tulane. He's led the Green Wave to an 8-2 start in 2025, and Tulane has a shot at the CFP as a Group of 5 team.
Kiffin asked if he expects to coach next week
Date: Nov. 19
Source:SEC Teleconference
During the weekly SEC Teleconference, Kiffin had several comments about his coaching future. First, he reiterated how happy he is at Ole Miss:
He was also asked if he expects to be coaching at Ole Miss during the Rebels' rivalry game against Mississippi State. He responded in signature Lane fashion:
He also downplayed the timing of him being the subject of coaching rumors during Ole Miss' playoff run:
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLane Kiffin on the timing of this job rumor speculation with the CFP run ahead:"Yeah, if a team wanted a playoff coach, this was bound to happen."
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) November 19, 2025
Kiffin denies Ole Miss gave him deadline
Date: Nov. 18
Source: The Pat McAfee Show
Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday, Kiffin denied reports that Ole Miss had given him an ultimatum to decide on his future by Nov. 28. While the Rebels are likely headed to the College Football Playoff, Kiffin's future is looming over the program as he considers offers from both Florida and Ole Miss.
Kiffin family visits Gainesville, Baton Rouge
Date: Nov. 17
Source: On3
After reports confirmed LSU flew Kiffin's family to Baton Rouge to tour the city on Monday, On3 confirmed the Kiffin family did a similar tour of Gainesville on Sunday.
Kiffin is faced with three decisions at the moment: stay at Ole Miss, leave for LSU, or leave for Florida, with both SEC programs making him the focus of their search.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring the SEC Teleconference on Nov. 19, Kiffin was asked about the trips to both cities. Unsurprisingly, he declined to give specifics:
Paul Finebaum predicts Lane Kiffin will choose Florida
Date: Nov. 17
Source: The Matt Barrie Show
Appearing on "The Matt Barrie Show," ESPN's Paul Finebaum said he believes "everything seems to be pointing toward Florida" in the Kiffin sweepstakes,
While Finebaum didn't go into detail regarding that prediction, he admitted the weeks ahead could be a whirlwind for Kiffin as he decides his future and at least three schools await word. MORE: Meet Lane Kiffin's family, most of which lives in Oxford
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