Overview
- Athletic director Scott Stricklin dismissed Napier after a 3-4 start and elevated receivers coach Billy Gonzales to interim head coach for the final five regular-season games.
- Stricklin engaged search firm TurnkeyZRG and brought influential donor Gary Condron into the process to identify a wide slate of candidates.
- Multiple outlets report Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin as the leading external target, with Steve Spurrier publicly praising Kiffin while also mentioning Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz as a proven option.
- Reporting indicates Stricklin began due diligence on Kiffin before the firing, though Ole Miss is prepared to fight to keep him as he earns about $9 million annually with a raise expected.
- Financial pressures frame the search as Florida owes Napier roughly $21 million, while timing considerations include early signing day on Dec. 3 and the transfer portal window opening Jan. 2.