Rumors connecting Lane Kiffin to the Florida football coaching vacancy are starting to heat up, and this time, the Ole Miss Rebels coach isn’t staying quiet.
After the Florida Gators fired Billy Napier last Sunday, Kiffin’s name is in the middle of the rumor mill.
Kiffin told ESPN’s Molly McGrath that he plans to speak directly with his players about the growing noise linking him to the Gators’ coaching search. It’s an unusual move for the Rebels’ coach, who typically avoids discussing job rumors during the season.
“He’s actually going to do things differently today in their team meeting — he’s going to address those rumors with his players,” McGrath said on Friday afternoon during “SportsCenter”. “He’s going to talk to them about it and say: ‘Hey, this is what happens when you win. This is a compliment to our players, our staff and our entire program.'”
Kiffin’s message comes at a key moment. His roster includes several transfers who haven’t experienced the spotlight that comes with a successful SEC season and a coach linked to major job openings.
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The goal, according to McGrath, is to keep his team focused on football, not headlines.
When asked about the leverage that comes with being a top coaching target, Kiffin made it clear money will not drive his decisions.
“I’m never going to make decisions based on money,” he told McGrath. “I’m going to make decisions based on everyday happiness.”
Ole Miss reportedly offered Kiffin a contract extension this month to keep him in Oxford, but he has yet to sign it.
McGrath noted Kiffin has long admired former Florida coach Steve Spurrier, calling him one of the greatest offensive minds in the game.
When Ole Miss visited the Swamp last season, Kiffin shared Florida holds a special place for his family. It’s where he had his first date with his children’s mother, a memory that still carries weight years later.
For now, Kiffin insists he’s focused on the Rebels and finishing the season strongly. But in Gainesville, where the search for a new leader is underway, fans can’t help keeping one eye on Oxford and the coach who continues to draw attention from the Swamp.
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