ESPN analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Joey Galloway weighed in on the potential fallout for Ole Miss Rebels if head coach Lane Kiffin departs before the postseason.
During the latest “Nonstop” podcast, Herbstreit suggested that despite any exit, many players would still prefer Kiffin direct them into the College Football Playoff. This doesn't necessarily align with Ole Miss' vision, but might be a major factor.
“It’s a year-to-year relationship, Herbstreit said. "A lot of these guys look at it not the way you and I did, ‘I’m here for four years, five years,’ whatever it is. This is more of a, ‘I’m here for this year. This is my team this year.’ … They look at this year as, ‘Hey, Lane, we want you to stay with us for this year, and let’s finish this thing. Let’s go win a championship this year.'”
Galloway sees it all differently. The Rebels’ administration should give the players a say on whether Kiffin should remain for the playoff run if he has already accepted an external job.
“I would love to see the coaches, the [administration], whoever it is, get the players together and let them vote," Galloway said. "Whether they want him to stay and coach them through the playoff--knowing that he’s leaving--or would they rather have an assistant coach, somebody else that’s on staff right now. It should be a player decision on whether he stays or not."
At 10-1, Ole Miss is enjoying its most successful season under Kiffin. And really, one of the best seasons in school history. If he were to leave, the school would face significant disruption, as Kiffin plays a key role in both leadership and play-calling. Whether administration or players ultimately determine his playoff status remains unknown for the Rebels in the coming days.
Trust the process. Because they're better with him than letting him walk at this point.
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