LSU is preparing to make an aggressive run at Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin as it searches for Brian Kelly’s successor.
The Tigers reportedly have the Rebels’ leader as the top target in one of college football’s most prominent openings, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
Kelly was fired Oct. 26 in the midst of his fourth year in Baton Rouge. The move immediately triggered a wide-ranging search that has drawn interest from across the country.
Nakos says LSU’s focus has zeroed in on Kiffin, who has guided Ole Miss to a 10-1 record following back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Kiffin’s offensive genius and proven ability to win in the SEC have made him the clear first choice for LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and the school’s search committee. Tigers officials are expected to move quickly once the regular season ends. Expect many fireworks in a short period of time.
Should Kiffin decline, whether opting to remain in Oxford or entertaining other opportunities, including Florida, there's one back up for the job. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has emerged as the leading alternative, according to Nakos.
Drinkwitz owns a 56-28 career record and produced back-to-back double-digit win seasons at Missouri while earning SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2023.
LSU appears to want Kiffin bad as it seeks recruiting strength and an explosive offensive identity. We'll see if they can pull him away from Oxford.
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