Florida Gators Seek Proven SEC Coach After Billy Napier Firing, Spurrier Suggests Lane Kiffin Among Candidates

Florida fired head coach Billy Napier after a disappointing start to the 2025 season, leaving the Gators in search of their fifth head coach in 15 years. Steve Spurrier, the winningest coach in Florida history, has weighed in on the coaching search, highlighting Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz as top candidates, both of whom have proven winning records in the SEC. Spurrier praised Kiffin's success at Ole Miss and believes Florida aims to hire a coach with a strong track record in a major conference who can restore the program to national prominence. While Spurrier is open to assisting the search if asked, he remains neutral and notes that financial incentives may not be the decisive factor for candidates already making millions. The Gators hope to find a coach capable of returning them to the top tiers of college football, reflecting on their past glory under coaches like Spurrier and Urban Meyer. The search is ongoing, with Florida's athletic director expected to thoroughly evaluate potential hires before making a consequential decision.