There\u2019s a new twist in the sweepstakes for Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin. <\/p>\n
Florida has pulled out of the running for the Kiffin, as it has sensed irregular communication from the coach and believe he\u2019s interested in other options, according to ESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n As Florida reportedly shifts its focus from Kiffin, there is optimism after interviewing about a dozen candidates in the search for a head coach after firing Billy Napier in October<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on in the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field on November 28, 2025. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The Gators reportedly expressed interest in Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, per On3<\/a>, and he is expected to make his decision Sunday.<\/p>\n Florida made a big push to land Kiffin, offering him a deal that would make him among the highest-paid coaches in college football with significant incentives, per ESPN.<\/p>\n Florida moving on would indicate Kiffin is now deciding between LSU and staying at Ole Miss.<\/p>\n The Tigers, who parted ways with Brian Kelly<\/a>\u00a0in late October, have had discussions about\u00a0offering Kiffin a contract\u00a0<\/a>in the seven-year, $90 million range,\u00a0according to\u00a0Yahoo Sports.<\/p>\n Kiffin, who\u00a0met with Ole Miss brass about his future<\/a>\u00a0last week, is expected to announce his decision on his coaching future after Friday\u2019s Egg Bowl matchup with rival Mississippi State. <\/p>\n Tulane coach Jon Sumrall. Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cCoach Kiffin and I have had many pointed and positive conversations regarding his future at Ole Miss, including meeting [Nov. 21] with Chancellor Boyce,\u201d Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, said\u00a0in a statement last Friday<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we discuss next steps, we know we cannot lose sight of what is most important \u2014 our sixth-ranked team that is pointed to finish the regular season in historic fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin (r) and Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby (l) before Friday\u2019s game. AP<\/p>\n Both LSU and Florida reportedly flew Kiffin\u2019s family to Baton Rouge and Gainesville for recent visits, but the coach wasn\u2019t on either trip.<\/p>\n The report of Florida moving on came right after the Egg Bowl kicked off, and the Rebels held a 21-10 lead entering halftime.<\/p>\n