It seems that there was a serious chance that new LSU Tigers coach Lane Kiffin would end up in a different program. On Monday, Dec. 8, @On3Sports uploaded a clip on X/Twitter, featuring Florida Gators Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin’s appearance on a recent episode of reporter Andy Staples’ show, “Andy & Ari.”
In the video, Stricklin discussed the recent sweepstakes involving Kiffin, as he himself was eyeing the former Ole Miss tactician’s services. This is because the Gators also recently fired Billy Napier after a lackluster start to the 2025 season. Stricklin admitted that they were serious about having Kiffin on board the Gators program.
“We were doing our due diligence on a number of candidates. Ended up talking to, you know, nearly a dozen when it was all said and done. But you know, it was obvious where that was shaping up. And, there was a flurry of initial engagement, I would say really positive conversations. And then the communication became a little more erratic and the timing of when that began to occur kind of, just reading the tea leaves, gave me the impression that, you know, it’s a good thing we talk to other people, and we’re gonna have to look at some other candidates,” Stricklin shared.
NEW: Florida AD Scott Stricklin detailed the Gators’ pursuit of Lane Kiffin with @AndyStaples👀
“There was a flurry of initial engagement, I would say. Really positive conversations. Then the communication became a little more erratic…
Just reading the tea leaves gave me the… pic.twitter.com/UEvBfSTzXy
— On3 (@On3sports) December 8, 2025
With Kiffin eventually moving on and now part of the Tigers program, the Gators have signed former Tulane Green Wave main shot-caller Jon Sumrall as their new head coach. The team now looks to crack the 2026 College Football Playoffs next year after finishing with a 4-8 overall record (2-6 SEC) this year.
Scott Stricklin Reveals That The Florida Gators Were Highly Interested In Lane Kiffin
During the same interview, Scott Stricklin detailed some of the driving factors that led to his Florida Gators program to actively pursue Lane Kiffin as their new coach.
Stricklin said the success that Kiffin had with Ole Miss, coupled with his progressive journey, sparked his interest in pursuing the tenured tactician.
“ You know, Lane obviously had those, and to see the success he had with Ole Miss, that’s appealing, right? Because somebody who’s learned, and they’ve grown. So it wasn’t just we were being pushed to him. We were interested in him as a possibility. And, I’d say strongly interested,” Stricklin admitted.
Read More: Analyst Claims “Mutual Interest” Between Urban Meyer and Florida Gators Amid Head Coach Search
Also Read: Florida Gators Heisman Trophy Winners: A Complete List and History
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