One Florida coaching candidate keeps resurfacing even after a public denial

The Florida Gators' official airplane was spotted in Atlanta, and rumors started to spread like fire. While the program is currently seeking its next head coach, and while Lane Kiffin is still the main target, this could be a sign of who they might try to pivot to if Kiffin falls through.

The man in question is Georgia Tech's current head coach, Brent Key.

Is Brent Key a target for Florida?

Brent Key is regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming coaches in college football. He is mainly known for his offensive creativity, player development, and quick turnaround of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With the limited resources of the Yellow Jackets, Key has made them into playoff contenders.

They are leading the ACC standings and sit at a record of 8-1, and his career record with Georgia Tech is 26-17. His energetic leadership, focus on sustaining a culture, and ability to quickly turn around a team have made him a top candidate at almost every major program in the country looking for a new head coach next season.

Key did make a public statement last saying "See what colors I bleed" when asked about his name being linked to other jobs around the country. He is a Georgia Tech alum, and for what it is worth, Florida insiders don't seem to think Key is going to wind up at Florida.

But he checks a ton of boxes that could be appealing to Florida's administration and one always needs a backup plan.

While the sight of Florida’s plane in Atlanta has certainly fueled speculation about Brent Key, it could mean something else entirely or nothing at all. Atlanta is a major hub for college football coaches, agents, and recruiting events, making it a convenient location for a variety of meetings. The Gators could be talking with other potential candidates, evaluating assistants, or even conducting exploratory discussions unrelated to Key specifically. In short, the plane’s presence doesn’t confirm anything; it simply signals that Florida is actively exploring options and doing its due diligence in a central location where multiple coaches and resources are accessible.

No matter who the Atlanta stop was for, one thing is clear. Florida is making moves in its search for the next head coach. For Gator fans, it’s a sign that the wheels are moving and a step closer to the program finding the right guy it needs to return to SEC prominence.