Source: UF target Lane Kiffin no longer a candidate for Gators opening

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GAINESVILLE — Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is no longer a candidate at Florida to replace Billy Napier, a source confirmed.

Kiffin’s decision leaves athletic director Scott Stricklin to shift his focus to a backup plan after decision-makers and donors spent the past month laser-focused on Kiffin. Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, who has the Green Wave in contention for a CFP bid, and Washington’s Jedd Fisch, a 1998 UF graduate, could be top candidates, while Georgia Tech’s Brent Key and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham could be options from among a deep pool of coaches contacted following Napier’s Oct. 19 ouster.

The Gators targeted Kiffin after firing Napier, hoping he could become a Steve Spurrier clone in Gainesville because of his penchant to score points, troll rival schools and needle their fan bases.

But Stricklin soon found himself in a battle for Kiffin’s services, not only with Ole Miss but longtime SEC rival LSU after the Tigers fired Brian Kelly Oct. 26.

Big-money Gator boosters and Spurrier, an ambassador for the athletic program, became involved in the Gators’ push to land the 50-year-old offensive mastermind.

Members of Kiffin’s family recently visited Gainesville and Baton Rogue.

Layla Kiffin, the coach’s ex-wife and daughter of former UF star quarterback John Reaves, and her brother Chris were allegedly underwhelmed by the Gainesville area high school athletic programs compared with those around LSU.

Allowed the rare opportunity making his third football hire, Stricklin tried to hit a home run and lost out, given  Kiffin’s offensive acumen and ability to elevate Ole Miss past Florida, including with a 34-24 win Nov. 15 at sold-out Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

The Kiffin watch consumed three fan bases. Kiffin did little to quell speculation when he announced Nov. 22 he’d wait to reveal his future plans after Ole Miss visited Mississippi State Friday in the annual Egg Bowl. At one point or another, each of the three schools were reportedly best positioned to land him.

Kiffin is expected to announce his future plans Saturday.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

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