Paul Finebaum remains sold on one name for Florida opening

Paul Finebaum has weighed in on the Florida Gators’ head coaching search, and he already has a frontrunner.

During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up Wednesday, the longtime college football analyst said Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin should be considered the top name for the Gators’ vacancy following Billy Napier’s dismissal.

“I think Florida is easily the best choice, and can win national championship," he said. They’ve done it three times since the 1990s — one with Spurrier, two with Urban Meyer. You have to go back to yesteryear for Penn State. Really back to the ’80s. Penn State is a good job. Florida is better. And keep your eyes on Lane Kiffin for the Florida job.”

Kiffin has guided Ole Miss to double-digit wins in three of the past four seasons, compiling a 50-19 record since taking over in Oxford. His dynamic offenses and outspoken personality have made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. There's no surprise why he's a constant name in major coaching searches.

Florida could appeal to Kiffin because of his recruiting ties in the state, having previously coached at Florida Atlantic. He would be doing it again at a top level. 

However, trying to get him to leaving Ole Miss will be the biggest roadblock. Kiffin ranks among the highest-paid coaches at roughly $9 million per year and has strong family ties in Oxford. His daughter, Landry, attends Ole Miss, and son Knox, a high school quarterback already drawing FBS interest. That's tough to uproot family in mid-swing, especially for a job that's currently viewed as a lateral move.

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