Florida is changing its focus from Lane Kiffin to Tulane's Jon Sumrall, according to the Associated Press.
Since firing Billy Napier, the Orange and Blue have been all in the Ole Miss head coach, but LSU has made the race complicated. On Friday, On3's Chris Low reported that Kiffin is either staying in Oxford or headed to Baton Rouge. Gators Online's Zach Abolverdi had the same report, adding that Florida grew tired of the back-and-forth, "erratic" behavior from Kiffin and his camp.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSo, Florida must now consider alternative options, with the new top target being Tulane's head coach.
Sumrall's name has been thrown around for some time, albeit secondary to Kiffin, but the temperature cooled after a reported meeting with Florida on Nov. 19 was called off. Sumrall went as far as to post on social media accounts a photo of him in a meeting with players, inferring loyalty to the program.
Florida beat writers never fully believed he was out of the race, though, and that appears to be accurate 10 days later. FootballScoop reported that former Florida head coach Urban Meyer is set to speak with Sumrall about the job, and the Gators are prepared to give him full control of the program, including staffing decisions.
Sumrall remains a top candidate for the open positions at both Auburn and Florida. Ole Miss could also be in play if Kiffin is indeed departing for LSU. Sumrall is expected to comment on his future later this weekend.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShould the Gators miss on both Kiffin and Sumrall, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch is next on the list.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football coaching search changes focus to Tulane's Jon Sumrall
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