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By Jordan Sigler
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Four SEC programs are looking for a new head coach in Week 12.
More News: College Football Program Generates Major Buzz After Jumping in CFP Ranking
Florida and LSU offer the most prestigious opportunities for a potential candidate. However, the Tigers' unfinished business with Brian Kelly's buyout has caused a delay in their national coaching search.
Read More on NCAA
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is the top option for Florida. Rumors surrounding Kiffin have only grown as the No. 7 Rebels prepare to host the Gators on Saturday.
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More News: Ole Miss Players Speak Out on Lane Kiffin to Florida Rumors
Arkansas and Auburn have been connected to former Penn State head coach James Franklin. But Franklin is biding his time while he scopes out a gig that can best set him up for a return to the College Football Playoff.
In the meantime, the Razorbacks have been linked to former NFL head coach Jon Gruden.
Per Pete Nakos of On3, there doesn't appear to be much mutual interest between Arkansas and Gruden.
"Former NFL coach Jon Gruden is not a factor at this point," Nakos posted on X.
Gruden has stated that he wants to get back into coaching, but he likely won't be doing so in Fayetteville in 2026.
Gruden, 62, could be an attractive candidate for a college football program in this hiring cycle. He won Super Bowl XXXVII as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's 117-112 as a head coach in the league.
Gruden has no experience as a head coach at the college level, but has stints as an assistant coach with Tennessee, Southeast Missouri State, Pacific and Pittsburgh. Gruden last served as an advisor to the Milano Seamen in 2024.
While Gruden is not a top name at this point for Arkansas, Franklin, Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and South Florida head coach Alex Golesh appear to be in the mix to replace former head coach Sam Pittman.
Arkansas would certainly have competition for Sumrall. He's been suggested to be a candidate for LSU and Auburn in recent weeks.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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