Speaking out

Head coach headlines fundraisers, other events

Coach Lane Kiffin spreads the word about FAU.

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin has busy since the spring football finished for the Owls. He’s been watching film of recruits. He’s been preparing for future opponents. But then there’s the other side of being a head coach.

Kiffin’s been the main attraction of fundraisers and events, including the South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation’s Men’s Night Out on Tuesday at FAU Stadium. Kiffin — who traded his signature visor for a khaki suit — was the keynote speaker to nearly 100 people.

“Just trying to get out and create as much energy as we can about the program and about what’s going on,” Kiffin said. “It seemed like a great event, a lot of good people to meet that aren’t necessarily all FAU people that I’ve already met.”

Kiffin is the first FAU coach to speak at the event, but retired football stars Jason Taylor and Cris Carter have each talked with the group, which raises about $15 million annually and has ties to FAU’s Medical School. Kiffin’s remarks were not open to the media.

Like many local football fans, Federation officials are thrilled with Kiffin’s arrival.

“We’re just excited to have big-time football in town,” said Ira Holz, a Federation men’s division co-chair.

For Kiffin, the speaking circuit is a change from his previous jobs. During the last three seasons as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Kiffin was on the road recruiting during this time of year. When he was a

Kiffin