There’s a new twist in the sweepstakes for Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin.

Florida has pulled out of the running for the Kiffin, as it has sensed irregular communication from the coach and believe he’s interested in other options, according to ESPN.

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.

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

The Gators reportedly expressed interest in Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, per On3, and he is expected to make his decision Sunday.

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.

Florida moving on would indicate Kiffin is now deciding between LSU and staying at Ole Miss.

The Tigers, who parted ways with Brian Kelly in late October, have had discussions about offering Kiffin a contract in the seven-year, $90 million range, according to Yahoo Sports.

Kiffin, who met with Ole Miss brass about his future last week, is expected to announce his decision on his coaching future after Friday’s Egg Bowl matchup with rival Mississippi State.

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall. Getty Images

“Coach Kiffin and I have had many pointed and positive conversations regarding his future at Ole Miss, including meeting [Nov. 21] with Chancellor Boyce,” Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, said in a statement last Friday.

“While we discuss next steps, we know we cannot lose sight of what is most important — our sixth-ranked team that is pointed to finish the regular season in historic fashion.”

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin (r) and Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby (l) before Friday’s game. AP

Both LSU and Florida reportedly flew Kiffin’s family to Baton Rouge and Gainesville for recent visits, but the coach wasn’t on either trip.

The report of Florida moving on came right after the Egg Bowl kicked off, and the Rebels held a 21-10 lead entering halftime.

Kiffin alleged before the game that Mississippi State fans broke into Ole Miss’ locker room and stole the jersey of starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and the Rebels captured it on film.

Kiffin has a 54-19 mark across six seasons with the Rebels, reaching a bowl in each of his first five years in Oxford.

He became the head coach at Ole Miss in December 2019 after he served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama under then-coach Nick Saban’s staff from 2014-16.

Since Kiffin’s arrival, the Rebels are the total yards leader in college football.