Mystery Lane Kiffin pursuer revealed in ESPN article

During his introductory news conference as LSU head coach, Lane Kiffin repeatedly mentioned choosing between four options for his 2026 home. On Wednesday, we learned who the mystery team was.

Ole Miss, Florida and LSU were Kiffin's known suitors, and in an ESPN article, college football insider Mark Schlabach shared that the Florida State Seminoles also held conversations with the 14-year head coach.

Lane Kiffin coaching saga nearly took wild turn

Schlabach reported that around the time LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry initially interviewed Kiffin, "Florida State athletic director Michael Alford was also wooing Kiffin behind the scenes.

"Kiffin and Alford had worked together at USC," Schlabach continued, while noting the Seminoles would have owed head coach Mike Norvell and his staff $72 million if fired.

The stunning details show just how close Florida State came to dismissing Norvell, who has two winning seasons in six years as head coach. It also creates an awkward situation in Tallahassee, with Norvell and assistant coaches knowing if Kiffin reciprocated the Noles' advances, they'd be looking for work.

Florida State may have simply delayed the inevitable by retaining Norvell, however. Outside of an undefeated 2023 regular season, he hasn't inspired confidence that he's a long-term solution. But instead of making a needed change, the Seminoles could be destined to repeat the misfortune of the past two years in 2026.

At that point, their head coaching pursuit won't be so secret.