With the start of college football season still, the noise involving Lane Kiffin and his ability regarding Ole Miss continues to increase louder. The head coach, who has an assistant’s guide for maximum teams this year so far, has his name afloat in rumors surrounding his move to the Florida Gators if they were to fire Billy Napier.

Kiffin, who made Ole Miss a serious contender in the SEC, seems to have developed a promising team in Oxford, and that makes many wonder why he would abandon ship to join the struggling Gators, who opened the season with a 1-2 record. Kiffin’s coaching background is rather cynical, to put it mildly. His rise and fall story takes him through Tennessee and USC, where he has tasted both victories and setbacks, glamour and sorrows.

He has been rumored for his ability to revive programs, and given his performance at Ole Miss, which has recorded 37-15 following his hire, rumor mills shall continue churning. But the lights of Florida are not as bright as the people of Florida originally thought. ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis explains that in his mind there really is no contest: Kiffin is better off in Oxford than the Gators are.

“He is… at best making a lateral move,” Davis said, noting the well-developed NIL at Ole Miss that will allow Kiffin to directly manage his resources to recruit. With Kiffin’s recent success and the Gators’ struggles, the questions persist: Would he leave? And if so, it would be worth it; but if not, it would not be worth the cost that would have incurred in procuring the industry.

Ole Miss: a launchpad or a landing spot?

One fan commented, “Ole Miss by far lol,” while another said, “Florida, no state taxes.” Beyond this, as stated before, Kiffin has strong ties to the state of Florida. He had practiced previously for Florida Atlantic University, where he similarly gave a rebirth to the program and took it to greater heights. His connection with the state and the region seems to be an essential factor that could be attracting him to Gainesville. “Right now = Ole Miss. Future = Florida,” one fan remarked.

The Rebels have been doing well under Kiffin, and one of the most significant reasons is the good use of the transfer portal. This year, Kiffin had the best transfer class in college football; he was able to bring in talent where many others can’t. He’s fostered a culture of success, and his players are stepping up. Fans are already debating this, with one stating, “Come to The Sip or The Swamp?” while another pointed out, “Florida due to recruiting grounds.”

Not to mention, even Kiffin himself has shown a form of thankfulness towards Ole Miss, saying, “I think that what I needed was Oxford more than Oxford needed me.” This emotion may mean a certain level of commitment that might help him remain in Mississippi, given the efforts he undertook to steer his coaching career after experiencing a roller coaster. One fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Kif finally found a home at Ole Miss.”

The decision going forward seems unclear for Kiffin. Despite the fact he’s a hot commodity when it comes to coaching, the world of college football changes constantly. Other programs associated with Kiffin include Clemson University, and the coach has had something to build on at Ole Miss. The constant speculation of Florida’s coaching search also triggers the thinking of whether Kiffin would now consider another step up in terms of the college ranks as a sort of progression on the part of the Gators’ job. “Take a poll and ask coaches across the country which is the better job… 4-1 would say Florida… maybe more,” one fan suggested.

However, the Gators are having a rough time at the moment, which makes one wonder if Kiffin might not be better off in Oxford, where he has an opportunity to create something unique. Florida may be far from home but is a glamorous team—reaching the prestigious program last year. It seems he should stay home for at least another season. As Davis aptly noted, in the world of college football, it isn’t about talent and potential for success, but fit and growth, both of which appear to be ideal for Kiffin in Oxford. As one fan put it, “He would be the hero going 9-4 or 10-3 at Ole Miss. That won’t fly in Florida.” As fans watch closely, the coming weeks will be critical.