Kirk Herbstreit believes Ole Miss is navigating a coaching dilemma unlike any in the College Football Playoff era.
On Saturday's ESPN’s College GameDay, Herbstreit said uncertainty surrounding Lane Kiffin’s future carries more weight because of Ole Miss’ 2025 team.
“The tricky part is the year Ole Miss is having,” Herbstreit said. “Forget Atlanta and the SEC Championship. This team is one you don’t want to play in the CFP right now. So if Lane decides to go elsewhere, you set your emotions aside. You look at 2025 and give this team with their coach a chance to finish their run.”
Kirk Herbstreit implores Ole Miss administrators to allow Lane Kiffin to coach the Rebels — if he leaves for LSU — and let him finish what he and his players started. Pic.twitter.com/gwdrjDUv4F
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 29, 2025
Herbstreit explained why Kiffin must coach the Rebels through the CFP, even if LSU is next. With Ole Miss prepping for its first playoff appearance, he argued continuity, not politics, should dictate postseason leadership.
He added that the locker room matters in a way administrative optics do not. Multiple Rebels players have publicly said they want Kiffin to coach them through the postseason, regardless of his long-term plans. Herbstreit said Ole Miss owes its roster the chance to chase a national title without any disruption.
Herbstreit also questioned if Kiffin staying was realistic at this point.“Don’t you think we would’ve already seen him re-upping in Oxford?” He said.
Herbstreit’s stance was firm that Ole Miss must let Kiffin coach the Playoff first, even if Baton Rouge is next. For a team playing like a feared playoff spoiler, Herbstreit sees no acceptable alternative.
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