Florida has been caught in a dire dry spell ever since it parted ways with Billy Napier. The back-to-back losses each week had already made them the easy opponents on everyone's schedule, the most recent one being Tennessee on Saturday.
But any of that doesn't make what is perceived to be their biggest defeat this season more palatable: losing Lane Kiffin in the coaching carousel mix.
One week, Florida was all that could be discussed about when talking about Kiffin; the next, LSU swoops in and blitzes Kiffin away with a reportedly final $90 million offer.
Now, Florida's has taken a backseat in the mix.
It hasn't broken their stride in pursuing him yet, but it is only logical to consider his backup options at this point.
B1G coach Lincoln Riley could be Lane Kiffin's replacement
Florida's back at square one when it comes to pursuing their next head coach after falling out of the Kiffin race.
But ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit had heard about a B1G via the grapevine.
“Everybody’s talking about Lane. What if Lane Kiffin stays at Ole Miss or goes to LSU? I’ve been asking everybody ‘What if you don’t get Lane Kiffin? Who’s next?’ Lincoln Riley… I’ve heard his name," Herbstreit said, via a transcription by On3.
The 8-3 roll that USC has been on after a 7-6 lackluster attempt last season hardly makes Riley's name surprising here. Instead, it has been a name always in the mix for the Florida job, per the several rumors, which were overshadowed by the massive Kiffin to Gainesville storm.
Another obvious name was Eli Drinkwitz.
"Eli Drinkwitz. There are different names, but it seems here at Florida, they’re all counting on Lane Kiffin.”
Florida has been counting on Kiffin since day 1. So has a very confident Ole Miss.
However, the leaked contract has spawned an almost sure-shot confidence in Kiffin to LSU rumors.
Only and only Kiffin can put them to bed, or confirm them, with whatever he decides.