The Ole Miss Rebels are on track to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. However, a dark cloud hangs over Oxford as Lane Kiffin continues to be heavily linked to the head coaching vacancies at Florida and LSU. A decision from Kiffin is expected within the next week.
“Coach Kiffin and I have had many pointed and positive conversations regarding his future at Ole Miss, including meeting today with Chancellor Boyce," Vice Chancellor Keith Carter said. "While we discuss next steps, we know we cannot lose sight of what is most important -- our sixth-ranked team that is poised to finish the regular season in historic fashion."
LSU appears to be the job most likely to lure him away from Oxford. The Tigers fired Brian Kelly just a month ago.
“A hire once celebrated as a home run for LSU AD Scott Woodward now ends in the second-largest buyout in college football history ($53.8 million), though negotiations are ongoing to lower that total number,” CBS Sports’ John Talty wrote. “You'll hear the word fit -- or lack thereof -- thrown around a lot in hindsight of LSU's decision to fire Kelly. From the early weird pronunciation of "family" mishap to calling out LSU fans for being spoiled, Kelly never seemed to understand how to authentically connect with the LSU fanbase.”
Now, LSU is reportedly prepared to throw everything at Kiffin, including a $90 million offer, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.
“As Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss met Friday, confidence brewed in Baton Rouge: LSU is finalizing a near $90M+ offer to the coach - blessed by the governor - and $25M+ in annual roster cash in its most serious push to gain his commit, sources tell Yahoo Sports,” Dellenger posted.
It’s safe to say LSU believes Kiffin is the right hire. He has delivered winning seasons since arriving at Ole Miss, but LSU can provide significantly more resources.
In the age of NIL, LSU is one of the most attractive destinations for a head coach. The longer this decision is drawn out, the more uneasy Ole Miss fans become. Kiffin has already left Knoxville in the middle of the night—he would certainly be willing to leave Ole Miss as well.