Lane Kiffin’s move from Oxford to Baton Rouge reached a breaking point early Sunday after LSU agreed in principle to become the Tigers’ next head coach, according to On3's Chris Low.
Kiffin informed offensive and support staffers at Ole Miss that their jobs depended on immediate loyalty. He told most of his Ole Miss staff that if they were not on the team plane Sunday for Baton Rouge, “they won’t have a spot,” according to one staff member briefed on the ultimatum.
His first demand was financial. Kiffin sought a salary of at least $12 million annually, positioning him among the nation’s highest-paid coaches. While initial reports referenced a $12 million figure, LSU’s offer quickly escalated. LSU is prepared to pay at least $13 million per year, with the package expected to approach $14 million, sources said. A contract had not been formally signed as of Sunday morning.
So, according to reports, Lane Kiffin wants to:
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) November 30, 2025
1) Leave for LSU, make $12M a year;
2) Take some of Ole Miss staff;
3) Stay at Ole Miss through the playoff, recruiting his players to LSU all the while;
4) Coach Ole Miss in playoff.
Should Ole Miss pay him to coach at LSU too?😏
His second demand was staffing autonomy. Kiffin negotiated the ability to bring a majority of his Ole Miss offensive staff with him, expediting installation of his schemes and player development pipeline.
Kiffin’s third and most controversial demand was based on postseason control. He pushed to remain at Ole Miss through the College Football Playoff while simultaneously recruiting his current roster to LSU. His final demand was operational. If those staff members did not join him immediately, they would lose consideration for roles on LSU's program support structure.
Ole Miss balked at the CFP request, informing Kiffin he would not be allowed to coach the Rebels in the playoff should he formally accept another job. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding is expected to remain at Ole Miss and guide the Rebels through the Playoff
LSU has scheduled a Monday press conference to introduce Kiffin, aiming to close one of the most watched coaching pursuits in recent SEC history.
If you love drama, Kiffin and the Tigers return to Oxford in 2026.
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