10 coaches who could replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, from Deion Sanders to Jon Sumrall

Brian Schaible

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10 coaches who could replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, from Deion Sanders to Jon Sumrall image

Lane Kiffin is facing real pressure as he weighs offers from Florida and LSU against the option of returning to Oxford.

For the first time, it truly appears Kiffin may depart, and if he does, one of the biggest jobs in the SEC is about to open with major implications across the league.

Here are 10 coaching candidates who would be excellent choices to lead the Rebels.

10 coaches who could replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss

1. Jon Sumrall – Tulane Head Coach

Sumrall is the most natural fit, combining SEC experience, Mississippi ties, and success at Troy and Tulane. His teams are physical and disciplined and he recruits the region well.

With Ole Miss built to win now, Sumrall's culture-driven approach would transition smoothly and immediately resonate in Oxford.

2. Ed Orgeron – Former LSU and Mississippi Head Coach

A wild but real possibility.

Nearly 20 years after his first Ole Miss stint, Orgeron is now a national title-winning coach with deep Mississippi ties and strong recruiting pull. He has said he would listen if the right SEC job opened. Ole Miss could be that one, bold and dramatic.

3. Matt Campbell – Iowa State Head Coach

Campbell has turned Iowa State into one of the Big Twelve toughest programs through discipline and development, but 2025 has been something of a slog. He might simply need a change.

With Ole Miss resources and recruiting access, Campbell becomes an intriguing long shot who could thrive with a fresh start.

4. Joe Judge – Former New York Giants Head Coach and Ole Miss Quarterbacks Coach

Judge, the former New York Giants head coach, has earned strong trust inside the program. His work with quarterbacks brings structure, discipline and NFL-level detail. As the top internal continuity option, he offers stability during roster transition and fits well with the portal-heavy reality of modern college football.

5. Glenn Schumann – Georgia Defensive Coordinator

Schumann is one of college football's premier young defensive minds. A key architect of Georgia's dominant defenses, he pairs schematic expertise with strong recruiting. Ole Miss would be making a long-term investment in upside, gaining a detail-oriented coach with championship experience and the energy to build a sustainable SEC contender.

6. Pete Golding – Ole Miss Defensive Coordinator

Golding spent four years as Alabama's defensive coordinator before joining Ole Miss in 2023. He has improved the Rebels' physicality and defensive consistency while earning major player trust. He will have the support of many people if promoted. He offers a smooth and steady transition.

7. Deion Sanders – Colorado Head Coach

If Deion ever lands in the SEC, Ole Miss is the most realistic fit.

Sanders wants autonomy and administrative flexibility, which Oxford can offer. His arrival would bring instant national attention, major portal movement and a recruiting surge.

It is bold, risky and potentially program-altering.

8. Eric Morris – North Texas Head Coach

Morris, a former Texas Tech player and assistant, has North Texas just a few wins from the College Football Playoff. His tempo, creativity and quarterback development match Ole Miss' identity. He is a rising offensive mind with energy, vision and long-term SEC potential.

9. Alex Golesh – South Florida Head Coach

Golesh buzz slowed after early wins over Florida and Boise State but he remains an ideal stylistic fit.

As Tennessee's former offensive coordinator, Golesh helped build one of the nation's most explosive attacks. His system, recruiting approach and SEC familiarity align well with what Ole Miss values.

10. G.J. Kinne – Texas State Head Coach

Kinne turns 37 in December and has already led Texas State to two straight bowls with a shot at a third. His modern uptempo offense and aggressive portal usage fit today's SEC. With energy, innovation and upside, he is a long-term play whose stock continues to rise quickly.