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Florida coaching rumors tracker: Latest news on Lane Kiffin, Eli Drinkwitz, more potential Billy Napier replacements

The Sporting News is tracking the latest Florida coaching rumors as the Gators search for Billy Napier's replacement.

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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.

While 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.

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.

MORE:Tracking LSU's coaching search news and rumors

Florida coaching rumors tracker

Florida athletic officials meet with Kiffin's reps

247Sports' Graham Hall reported on Friday morning that officials from Florida's athletic department met with representatives of Lane Kiffin.

Florida athletic department officials met Thursday night with representatives of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, multiple sources told @Swamp_247.

READ:https://t.co/rZjcXyxPQ7pic.twitter.com/zukqJEFwNS— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) November 21, 2025

Kiffin meeting with Ole Miss AD on Friday

According to On3's Chris Low, Kiffin is set to meet with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter on Friday: 

NEWS: Ole Miss AD Keith Carter and head coach Kiffin are scheduled to meet this Friday, per Chris Lowe.

STORY: https://t.co/jesyF2wagu

via @on3sports | @clowfb— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) November 20, 2025

We should have a further indication on where things stand with Kiffin and Ole Miss after this meeting, or so you'd think. 

Further reporting indicates Florida's Jon Sumrall meeting 'called off'

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

Zach Abolverdi of On3Sports reported that Florida is expected to meet with Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall.

BREAKING: Florida to meet with Tulane coach Jon Sumrall about the Gators job.

DETAILS: https://t.co/iqwnEtP7Lupic.twitter.com/1NOuc7F991— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) November 19, 2025

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

During the weekly SEC Teleconference, Kiffin had several comments about his coaching future. First, he reiterated how happy he is at Ole Miss: 

Lane Kiffin: "I love it here. It's been amazing and we're in the greatest run in the history of Ole Miss at this point... I'm just living in the moment."— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 19, 2025

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: 

I asked Lane Kiffin if he expects to coach the Egg Bowl.

"Why would I not expect to coach next week? … We're gameplanning, we just practiced. I don't even understand how that would happen."— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) November 19, 2025

He also downplayed the timing of him being the subject of coaching rumors during Ole Miss' playoff run: 

Lane 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

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.

During the SEC Teleconference on Nov. 19, Kiffin was asked about the trips to both cities. Unsurprisingly, he declined to give specifics: 

Lane Kiffin is asked about what his family learned on trips to Gainesville and Baton Rouge

"I'm not getting in on any specualtion or stories that have to do with other jobs."— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 19, 2025

Paul Finebaum predicts Lane Kiffin will choose Florida

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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