In the wake of Dan Mullen’s departure from the University of Florida, an intriguing suggestion emerged regarding his successor. After his firing in 2021, Mullen voiced his strong belief that Lane Kiffin, then head coach at Ole Miss, would have been the ideal choice to lead the Gators. This recommendation, however, did not materialize, as Florida opted for Billy Napier instead, a decision that has left many questioning the current trajectory of the program.
During a recent appearance on “The Zach Gelb Show,” Mullen reflected on his time at Florida and the potential impact Kiffin could have made. He argued that Kiffin’s offensive prowess, highlighted by his recent success at Ole Miss—which included a commendable 10-3 record—would align well with Florida’s high-scoring traditions. Mullen emphasized that Kiffin’s arrival could have been particularly beneficial with a talented quarterback like Anthony Richardson, suggesting that Kiffin could have capitalized on a strong roster with high-caliber receivers.
Since Mullen’s exit, the Gators have struggled to find their footing under Napier, finishing his first season with a lackluster .500 record and facing mounting losses. Entering a challenging third season, Napier’s team has continued to falter, culminating in a recent defeat to Texas A&M. While Napier remains focused on his current obligations, he acknowledges the pressure to improve the team’s performance.
As Florida navigates this tumultuous phase, the prospect of moving on from Napier raises concerns about the stability of the coaching staff. Should they part ways with Napier, it would mark the fifth coaching change since 2014—a troubling trend for a program with such a storied history.
Kiffin’s success at Ole Miss complicates the scenario further. Currently ranked No. 5 in the AP poll and boasting a 3-0 start, he seems to have firmly established his program as a contender, making it uncertain whether he would entertain an offer from Florida.
Mullen’s reflections illuminate the complexities of coaching decisions in college football. The “what ifs” surrounding Kiffin’s potential role at Florida linger as the Gators search for stability amid fluctuating performances and aspirations of reclaiming their elite status.
