The Lane Kiffin coaching saga took another turn this week after On3's Brett McMurphy published a report exploring whether Ole Miss would consider parting ways with its head coach before the College Football Playoff if he chooses to leave for another job.
With Kiffin’s long-anticipated decision is coming with a new Ole Miss deal or a jump to Florida or LSU, McMurphy raised a question few thought possible. Would the Rebels prevent Kiffin from coaching in the postseason if he’s not returning in 2026?
McMurphy pointed to a rare historical precedent. In 1989, Michigan fired basketball coach Bill Frieder days before the NCAA Tournament after he agreed to take the Arizona State job. Athletic director Bo Schembechler promoted assistant Steve Fisher and declared, “I want a Michigan man to coach Michigan.” The Wolverines went on to win the national title.
Ole Miss may soon wrestle with a modern version of that dilemma. Rebels athletic director Keith Carter could be forced to decide whether program values outweighs Kiffin’s leadership in a potential playoff run.
According to McMurphy, dozens of athletic directors and industry officials were split, with a majority saying they would not allow a departing coach to remain through the postseason. Yet a Twitter poll McMurphy conducted offered a different snapshot. 56% said they would keep Kiffin on the sideline, while 39% said they would move on.
As Ole Miss waits for Kiffin’s decision, the program now faces an unprecedented question and one that could shape not only its playoff preparation, but its identity moving forward.
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