As Florida's coaching search continues, Lane Kiffin continues to be the name that is at the forefront of everyone's mind. Reports surfaced that Kiffin had members of his camp in Gainesville this weekend to scope things out and get a feel for the area.
But keeping in mind that Kiffin also had members of his camp tour Baton Rouge at the same time, Florida's administration has to keep its options open in case it needs to pivot.
And legendary coach Steve Spurrier floated a name he's mentioned before that would have Gator fans split.
Steve Spurrier shows support for Eli Drinkwitz
Appearing on Another Dooley Noted Podcast, Spurrier first addressed an online rumor that his health was in decline, which he said was false, before pivoting towards Florida's coaching search.
He mentioned Kiffin, but he also included a second notable name:
"But, naw, I know Lane Kiffin, I know Eli Drinkwitz, obviously either one of those guys would be super if it works out. But it's a long way from whoever we're going to get as a coach, in my opinion right now."
There is that name again
This is not the first time Spurrier has mentioned Drinkwitz as a possible option to take the Gators' job. He might also be the only person connected to Florida still mentioning Drinkwitz as an option.
The Missouri coach had his name floated early in the process, but there has been next to no smoke connecting him to Gainesville.
Could Florida pivot if Kiffin falls through?
Of course, but that also doesn't mean it's a pathway we would advocate for. The issue with Drinkwitz is that his first three seasons at Missouri were mostly non-descript. He had a solid year in 2023 and 2024, but also benefited from a super soft schedule in 2024.
Even this year, while Missouri is 7-3, the Tigers are 0-3 against ranked opponents.
The fact that Spurrier keeps mentioning him makes it seem like he might be a Plan B, one we hope Florida doesn't have to explore.