Speculation is rife in college football circles about who will take the helm for the Florida Gators following Billy Napier’s dismissal.

The high-profile vacancy has sparked widespread interest, with one SEC coach emerging as a leading candidate. However, whether he will accept the position remains uncertain.

According to On3’s Andy Staples, Lane Kiffin, currently head coach at Ole Miss, is the top pick for the Gators. The question remains whether Kiffin will leave Oxford for Gainesville.

“So let’s talk candidates because obviously everybody wants to know who’s next at Florida,” Staples said on Sunday’s “College Football Enquirer.”

“The Florida fans, I think the major Florida donors, I think the Florida administration, their No. 1 choice would be Lane Kiffin.“I don’t know if Lane Kiffin will take the job. It’s not money. Ole Miss and Florida can offer the same amount of money.”

The appeal of Kiffin moving to Florida is clear. The Gators’ program is considered a step up in prestige, boasting substantial resources and access to one of the richest recruiting grounds in college football. 

However, Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss is far from guaranteed. With the expanded College Football Playoff, the transfer portal, and the influence of NIL deals, coaches like Kiffin and Indiana’s Curt Cignetti can build competitive programs at less traditional powerhouses.

Kiffin has already elevated Ole Miss to a top-10 program, which might make staying in Oxford more appealing. Additionally, the Florida job brings intense pressure that may not be as prevalent at Ole Miss.

Should Kiffin choose to remain with Ole Miss, other candidates like Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and former Penn State coach James Franklin could emerge as strong contenders.

Kiffin currently earns approximately $9 million per year, with his Ole Miss contract extending through 2030, according to Yahoo Sports.