The Florida Gators finally ripped off the Band-Aid on Sunday, dismissing Billy Napier after three rocky seasons that never met Gainesville’s championship standard. Napier’s players never quit on him and he handled the heat like a pro, but results rule. Now comes the harder part. Athletics director Scott Stricklin has to ace the most cutthroat hire of this wild coaching carousel.
There’s one move that fits the moment, and that’s to force Lane Kiffin to say no.
Stricklin has already been doing quiet homework on Kiffin, and the buzz among boosters is deafening. Yes, Kiffin is a lightning rod. He’s also a proven winner who rebuilt Ole Miss into a national factor, going 50–19 and flirting with the playoff.
The risk? He’s expensive and comfortable. Kiffin already makes top-10 money, Ole Miss is prepared to sweeten the pot, and his life in Oxford is stable, family close, NIL operation humming, and an AD eager to lock him up before the “silly season.”
But Florida isn’t just another job. It’s one of the few helmets that could pry Kiffin loose. Gainesville offers scale, talent access, fan power, brand wattage, and a path back to Spurrier-level swagger.
If Kiffin’s north star is a national title, he has to ask whether the ceiling in Oxford is a glass one. At Florida, the ceiling is banners.
This market is moving fast. Penn State is open. Others could follow.
READ MORE: Gators Stumble Past Mississippi State as Billy Napier’s Seat is Boiling
Aggressive and decisive wins. Stricklin must strike with a modern package. Elite salary, heavy staff pool, ironclad NIL alignment, and football-first infrastructure are all on the table. Make it undeniable. Make it immediate. Make it Lane’s to refuse.
Kiffin’s arc from “radioactive” to “red-hot” is complete. Florida’s mandate is simple. Stop shopping and start closing.
If the Gators want to reset the SEC arms race overnight, there’s only one phone call that matters. Dial Oxford and don’t hang up until Lane Kiffin says no.
0 Comments