The Florida Gators were aggressive in their pursuit of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, but even a $90+ million offer doesn’t seem like it was enough to lure Kiffin to Gainesville.
Just minutes before Kiffin took the field for the Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State reports emerged revealing the Rebels coach won’t be leaving for the Gators and instead will make his decision between Ole Miss and LSU.
“Florida has shifted focus from Lane Kiffin in the school’s coaching search, as the school has sensed through irregular communication that he’s interested in other options. Florida has interviewed roughly a dozen candidates and is optimistic about the process. Florida targeted Kiffin early in the search and offered him a deal to put him among the highest paid coaches in college football, which included significant incentives,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.
More College Football: Ole Miss Penalty Being ‘Considered’ if Lane Kiffin Leaves for Florida, LSU
More College Football: Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin Sends Telling Message on Future as Florida, LSU Wait
With Kiffin out of the running, a College Football Playoff-contending coach is now surging for the job. Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, who leads his team against Charlotte on Nov. 29 for the final regular season game, is skyrocketing in Kalshi’s odds to become the next head coach at Florida.
Before the Kiffin news dropped, Sumrall had just a 7% chance to get the job. Now, after Kiffin’s exit from the negotiations, Sumrall has a 56% chance to get the job with Washington head coach Jedd Fisch coming in second at 33%.
Sumrall and the Green Wave can clinch a spot in the American Conference title game with a win over Charlotte on Saturday. The head coach was previously seen as the favorite for the LSU job if Kiffin didn’t join the Tigers.
More College Football: Lane Kiffin’s Immediate Ole Miss Replacement Revealed