This story has been updated with new information
Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin is not the only one in the college football coaching carousel who is shaking things up.
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall has plans to meet with Florida on Nov. 20, according to a report from On3 on Nov. 19.
Kiffin and Sumrall are two factors in the job openings across the sport. Kiffin has been connected to Florida and LSU, but he has remained noncommittal about his future.
Sumrall, who could be in the mix for the OIe Miss job if Kiffin were to leave, has Tulane in the current College Football Playoff bracket. Before taking over the Green Wave, Sumrall worked as Ole Miss’ linebackers coach in 2018.
The prospect of Florida hiring Sumrall is not necessarily good or bad for Ole Miss. On one hand, it would presumably bring down the contenders for Kiffin to just LSU and Ole Miss. On the other hand, it would wipe away a head coaching candidate with Ole Miss ties off the board. If Kiffin goes to LSU, it would limit recovery options.
Sumrall told a story in September of how Kiffin’s father, Monte, impacted his coaching career by giving him encouragement in 2022 after the Rebels beat Sumrall’s Troy team.
The Green Wave (8-2, 5-1 American) played at Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1 SEC) on Sept. 20. The Rebels won 45-10.
Has Lane Kiffin spoken to Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry about LSU job?
Kiffin was asked on Nov. 19 about conflicting reports regarding if he had talked with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry about the LSU job. Kiffin declined to answer.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t comment on that either way,” Kiffin said.
Did Lane Kiffin’s family visit Florida, LSU?
There have been reports that members of Kiffin’s family visited LSU and Florida over Ole Miss’ open week. Kiffin was asked what they learned on the visits that may help inform his decision.
“I’m not getting in on any speculation or stories of things having to do with other jobs,” Kiffin said. “I’ve said that about 10 times. But I understand, you’ve got to ask them.”
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
