With Florida parting ways with head coach Billy Napier on Sunday afternoon, the administration will conduct another coaching search. Gator Country provides our first head coach hot board.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin
Gator Country expects Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin to be Florida’s top target, per sources. The Gators’ fan base has craved an energetic, fun, offensive minded head coach, and Kiffin fits the bill. The 50-year-old holds a 50-19 record at Ole Miss through five plus seasons. Kiffin would require a lot of money as he’s already being paid $9 million annually, but it would undoubtedly be an exciting hire.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
Many don’t believe Marcus Freeman would leave Notre Dame for Florida, but Brian Kelly left the Fighting Irish for LSU just four years ago. Freeman is a defensive minded head coach that became one of the rising coaches in the sport during his time with Cincinnati. Freeman led Notre Dame to the National Championship game last season before falling short vs. Ohio State. Notre Dame is 5-2 this season after starting 0-2. The 39-year-old head coach is 35-12 through four plus seasons at Notre Dame. Freeman would bring an elite Gator defense back to Gainesville.
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin
This isn’t as sexy of a hire, but one that would make sense with no buyout involved. Franklin was fired from Penn State earlier this season after three consecutive losses. However, Franklin led Penn State to the College Football Semifinals last season, beating SMU and Boise State in the playoffs before losing a close one to Notre Dame. Franklin posted a 104-45 overall record and 65-37 in Big Ten Conference play over 12 seasons. Franklin also has experience in the SEC from his time at Vanderbilt.
We all know the concerns with Franklin: his inability to win the ‘big game’. The question remains: Would his ceiling be higher at Florida? The perception with this hire is worse than the reality. There’s little doubt Franklin could build a competitive roster quickly in Gainesville.
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz
Eli Drinkwitz has done a great job building the Missouri program over the years. The Tigers posted back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2023 and 2024 and look to be on pace for another in 2025 as Missouri sits at 6-1. The 42-year-old is an offensive minded coach that gets the most out of his players. He could do really well with Florida talent.
USF head coach Alex Golesh
I know Florida fans don’t want another non power four coach, but Alex Golesh has USF sitting at 6-1 with their only loss on the road vs. No.9 Miami. The Bulls rank 18th in the country and are primed for a playoff berth in Golesh’s third season as head coach. USF defeated Florida 18-16 earlier this season.
Golesh is from the Josh Heupel coaching tree and runs a similar style offense that’s fast paced and exciting.
Stay tuned at Gator Country for our updated list.