Ole Miss Eyes Jon Sumrall if Lane Kiffin Departs Amid Coaching Carousel
With Lane Kiffin potentially leaving Ole Miss for LSU or Florida, the Rebels are targeting Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, setting up a potential coaching showdown with Auburn.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The 2025 Ole Miss football season began as one of the most successful in program history, but uncertainty looms as the coaching landscape shifts dramatically. Lane Kiffin, the Rebels’ head coach, is reportedly on the radar of both Florida and LSU, leaving his future undecided until after the Egg Bowl.
Should Kiffin depart, Ole Miss is already preparing a contingency plan. Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall has emerged as a leading candidate, though the Rebels would face stiff competition from Auburn, which also views Sumrall as a top target. Florida could also enter the mix if Kiffin ultimately chooses LSU.
Sumrall’s ties to Ole Miss make him a natural fit. He served as an assistant with the Rebels in 2018, and his familiarity with the roster and program culture could provide continuity if Kiffin exits. At the same time, his Alabama roots and connections make him an appealing option for Auburn.
The looming coaching decisions highlight the intensity of the offseason carousel in college football. Kiffin’s choice will set off a chain reaction, influencing multiple programs and leaving Sumrall and other top coaches at the center of speculation.
1. Lane Kiffin’s Decision Looms
Lane Kiffin remains the biggest question mark in the Southeastern Conference coaching carousel. Reports indicate that he is weighing opportunities at Florida and LSU, with a final decision expected immediately after the Egg Bowl or shortly thereafter. Kiffin’s potential departure carries major implications for Ole Miss. If he leaves, the Rebels will need a successor who can sustain the momentum of their 2025 campaign while keeping the program competitive in the SEC West. The timing of Kiffin’s choice is critical, as both Florida and LSU aim to lock in their new leadership quickly. The uncertainty has prompted Ole Miss and Auburn to prepare contingency plans, with Jon Sumrall emerging as a priority target for both schools. Ultimately, Kiffin’s decision will be the catalyst for a multi-team coaching shuffle, affecting recruiting, program strategy, and the broader SEC landscape.
2. Jon Sumrall in the Crosshairs
Jon Sumrall’s candidacy is bolstered by his ties to Ole Miss and his track record at Tulane. He served as an assistant with the Rebels in 2018 and has developed a reputation as a rising coaching talent capable of leading a competitive SEC program. Sumrall is also a top target for Auburn, where his wife attended school and his regional ties make him an attractive choice. Florida could enter the conversation if Kiffin departs to LSU, creating a potential bidding war for the sought-after coach. Additional coaching options exist, including Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, and interim head coach D.J. Durkin, who has garnered support within Ole Miss. Washington offensive coordinator Eric Fisch is another consideration, though his $10 million buyout complicates that path. Tulane’s potential success this season adds a layer of complexity. If the Green Wave makes a College Football Playoff run, Sumrall may face a decision on whether to leave early or wait until the postseason concludes, which could affect the timing of any negotiations with Ole Miss or Auburn.
3. Ripple Effects of the Coaching Carousel
The broader coaching landscape remains in flux, with Ole Miss, Auburn, and other programs monitoring multiple dominoes. Kiffin’s departure could trigger a rapid series of hires and departures across the SEC and beyond. D.J. Durkin’s performance in the Iron Bowl could influence Sumrall’s decision. If Durkin pulls off an upset against Alabama, his candidacy at Ole Miss strengthens, potentially simplifying Sumrall’s choice. Conversely, a loss could clear the path for Sumrall to move to Oxford. Recruiting and roster stability are central considerations. Both Ole Miss and Auburn must balance the need for a new head coach with the impact on players, transfers, and staff, ensuring that any hire aligns with long-term program goals. With the Egg Bowl and Iron Bowl as critical catalysts, the next few days could define the future of multiple programs, illustrating the intensity and interconnectivity of college football’s coaching carousel.