Report: Florida boosters want Lane Kiffin to fill vacancy

Lane Kiffin is on Florida's radar as the Gators kick off their search for a new head coach.

The Ole Miss sideline boss is the candidate Florida boosters want to hire the most, sources told John Talty of CBS Sports.

Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin fired fourth-year coach Billy Napier on Sunday but began doing his due diligence on Kiffin earlier this season, sources told Talty, making calls to those around the Ole Miss boss.

Stricklin was reportedly believed to be hesitant to pursue Kiffin, but that's apparently changed this coaching cycle.

Kiffin has an annual salary of $9 million with the Rebels. The 50-year-old has posted a 50-19 record since joining Ole Miss for the 2020 campaign, including a 6-1 mark this season.

Florida is coming off a narrow win over Mississippi State, and the Gators have won two of their past three contests. Napier posted a 22-23 record with the school.

Florida is one of the top vacancies this coaching cycle along with Penn State. Jobs at Florida State and Auburn could also open up with Mike Norvell and Hugh Freeze on the hot seat.