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Report: Florida ahead of Auburn in hopes of hiring Tulane coach Jon Sumrall

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz8 hours agoNickSchultz_7

As all eyes turn toward Lane Kiffin’s future, another decision appears to be taking shape. Florida is starting to pull ahead of Auburn in the race for Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, according to a report from CBS Sports.

Sumrall is considered one of the top candidates this coaching cycle and could very well be in the mix at Ole Miss if Kiffin was to leave. On3 insiders first reported Florida was starting to turn its attention toward Sumrall as LSU gained momentum in the Kiffin sweepstakes.

Florida was preparing a lucrative offer for Kiffin amid interest from LSU, and Ole Miss was also ready to make a similar offer. Now, it appears the Tigers are the favorite if the Rebels’ coach leaves, and On3’s Pete Nakos previously reported the sense is he “holds the keys” to the entire coaching carousel.

A decision on Sumrall’s future is expected this weekend after Tulane takes on Charlotte to close out the regular season. The Green Wave are squarely in the mix for the American Conference title game, as well as the College Football Playoff. Tulane is 9-2 this year, and Sumrall has a career 41-11 record in his four years as an FBS head coach. That includes two years at Troy.

In addition to Jon Sumrall’s decision, Kiffin’s future is the biggest off-field storyline in college football on Saturday. Ole Miss took down Mississippi State 38-19 amid the noise, and Kiffin told ESPN’s Taylor McGregor he still has not made a decision. That is expected Saturday after Ole Miss AD Keith Carter previously said an announcement would come down Saturday, following Friday’s Egg Bowl in Starkville.

“No, I haven’t (made up my mind),” Kiffin said on the broadcast. “I’ve got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow, but right now, I’m just going to go enjoy these players. I told them last night, you’re going to win your 11th game, and all I want to do is experience joy watching you, and that’s what I’m about to do.”

As he considers his future, Kiffin said he’s preparing to make two calls. Nick Saban and Pete Carroll have served as top mentors during his coaching career, and he will consult them amid his looming decision.