The University of Mississippi might need a new football coach. Who would replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss if he leaves for Florida?
Buzz Surrounding Lane Kiffin to Florida
"Lane Kiffin – the fanbase gets it, I think the administration now gets it – he's the right fit."
I ask @Andy_Staples who he think is the BEST fit for the Florida Gators 👀🐊
MORE: https://t.co/GvkYyTqsE6 pic.twitter.com/p4nCShgvmZ
— Josh Newberg (@josh_newberg) October 23, 2025
Billy Napier is out at Florida. The Gators’ program fired Napier on October 19, following a 3-4 start to the season. Napier’s Gators lost to unranked South Florida at home in Week 3.
The Gators did upset Texas in the Swamp, but Florida also lost to LSU, Miami (FL), and Texas A&M.
Napier had one of the worst winning percentages in Florida history — 48.89% (22–23), with a 12-16 record in the SEC.
With Napier out, Florida wants to find the next Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer to return the Gators to national prominence.
Kiffin is the name driving the internet conversation surrounding the Florida head coaching vacancy.
Since Kiffin became the head coach in 2020, Ole Miss has been one of the top programs in the SEC. Kiffin is 50-19 at Ole Miss, winning at least 10 games per season in three of five seasons.
Kiffin has not guided Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. However, the Rebels are No. 8 in the country and have a good chance to make the CFP for the first time in school history.
If Ole Miss makes the CFP, then Florida will have to wait until the Rebels are eliminated. If Ole Miss doesn’t qualify for the CFP, then Kiffin could give Florida an answer by December.
One of two things will happen. Kiffin is going to leave Ole Miss to coach Florida, or Kiffin will receive a pay raise to stay at Ole Miss. Kiffin reportedly makes around $9 million per year. That annual salary will likely hit double digits next season.
Who would replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss?
Eyes forward. pic.twitter.com/QhyzNpPA75
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 21, 2025
If Kiffin leaves for Florida, Ole Miss becomes an attractive opening in college football.
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin could be one of the candidates to guide the Rebels in 2026. Despite losing seemingly every big game at Penn State, Franklin was 104–45 with the Nittany Lions.
Franklin also has SEC ties, having guided the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 24-15 record over three seasons.
If Ole Miss wanted to poach coaches from the SEC, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea would be viable candidates.
Outside the big schools, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Washington’s Jedd Fisch are names to watch.
