Billy Napier is still the coach of the Florida Gators, but if we are honest with ourselves, it is going to require pulling a second rabbit to save his job in Gainesville. And in reality, so few coaches have been able to save themselves once the train goes off the tracks in the way that it has for Napier.
So while it may seem premature to bring up a coaching board list while Florida still has a coach, we'll just say these are names Gator fans have their eye on, just in case Napier does get the pink slip.
Hypothetically, of course.
Brent Key - Georgia Tech
After his upset on Clemson, Brent Key has felt like a name to keep an eye on. What was most impressive was how prepared Georgia Tech looked on their final field goal sequence, something that has been a problem with Florida.
But Key would be far from a slam dunk hire. Georgia Tech is just 21-16 during his time there, and while they do punch above their weight at times, they also mirror Billy Napier in the sense that every game feels like it has a low margin for error.
Lane Kiffin - Ole Miss
Any coaching list for Florida is bound to include Lane Kiffin, who also has Ole Miss punching above its weight. There are also dreams of what Kiffin could do offensively with the collection of talent in Gainesville.
But he also has to showcase a level of consistency that he hasn't to this point, including losses last year to Kentucky and Florida.
Dan Lanning - Oregon
This would be a hope and a prayer to get Dan Lanning, especially considering he opted to stay in Eugene and not seriously explore the Alabama job last year.
But if somehow Florida could pull it off, Lanning has a ton of traits Gators fan would love in Gainesville.
Jon Gruden - Barstool Sports
Yes, Jon Gruden would be a notable name with a championship pedigree, but it would also be a massive gamble at a time when Florida can't really afford to take one.
Beyond the fact that he has the same winning percentage as Jeff Fisher and the whole email scandal that got him fired from the NFL, Gruden's downfall in the NFL was when it came to roster building.
And in college, where he would be responsible for roster building...
Curt Cignetti - Indiana
Google him, he wins.
Even though Indiana's season last year was a bit of a mirage given their schedule, there is no denying that Curt Cignetti has the Hoosiers at a level far higher than they have ever been before.
Age would be a red flag, as Cignetti is already 64 years old.
Marcus Freeman - Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman's name keeps popping up among Gator circles, but this feels like wishful thinking beyond something that would ever happen.
Freeman has always been a northern guy, was just in the national title game, and always has a clear pathway to nine or ten wins in South Bend.
Will Stein - Oregon
If you can't get Dan Lanning, what about getting one of his coordinators?
Will Stein is only 35 years old, but he is already in his third season as OC at Oregon. If the Ducks keep having another great season, expect Stein's name to continue to get floated.
Brian Hartline - Ohio State
After a notable career as a player for Ohio State, Brian Hartline has been with the Ohio State coaching staff since 2017.
In 2023, he was the offensive coordinator, but then had to hand over those duties in 2024 to Chip Kelly before getting his gig back this season.
He is a monster recruiter and has had a long list of notable wide receivers during his time in Columbus.
Kenny Dillingham - Arizona State
Another young rising coach, Kenny Dillingham, is just 35 years old. After coming up as an OC, he took over Arizona State and led them to a Big 12 title in 2024.
He is originally from Phoenix, so who knows if he would want to leave home. Plus, he has to prove 2024 wasn't just a one-time flash in the pan, considering he went 3-9 in 2023.
Rhett Lashlee - SMU
Like Indiana, SMU has to fight against whether or not 2024 was real or whether it just benefited from a weak ACC.
But Rhett Lashlee has quickly built SMU into a notable program once again.