Paul Finebaum Addresses Lane Kiffin Rumor

After the Florida Gators' latest loss to start the season, many have started to speculate whether the Gators' leadership will decide to make a move at head coach.

Billy Napier is in his third season as head coach but has not yet had a winning season. Florida is also experiencing three consecutive losing seasons for the first time in over 70 years.

"During his show, ESPN's Paul Finebaum discussed a rumor about Ole Miss' coach Lane Kiffin potentially leaving for the Florida job if it becomes available. Finebaum acknowledged why that rumor is going around but stated that it is premature to speculate on such a move at this time.

"I really don't know how to answer that," Finebaum said. "I understand why people are saying that; I think it's perhaps premature. But I get it."

Florida hasn't shown any signs of wanting to move on from Napier at this time. Last Friday, the athletic director, Scott Stricklin, expressed confidence in Napier's long-term tenure as head coach at Florida. However, that was before the Gators suffered a 24-point loss to an in-state rival at home.

On the other hand, Kiffin has built a strong program at Ole Miss. When he took over in 2020, he inherited a program that had experienced four straight non-winning seasons. In his second season, he led Ole Miss to 10 wins; in his fourth season, the Rebels won 11 games. The Rebels are currently 1-0 and received their highest preseason ranking since 1970 at No. 6.

However, Kiffin would only be considered if there were an available position, which currently there isn't. So, while Finebaum understands the connection, he believes people should pump the brakes on that rumor for now.

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