Lane Kiffin presents Ole Miss personnel with an unusual final demand prior to the official unveiling.

Jason Jones

•
Lane Kiffin gives Ole Miss staff a strange ultimatum ahead of official announcement image

TL;DR

  • Lane Kiffin is reportedly accepting the LSU coaching position, leaving Ole Miss.
  • Kiffin wants to coach Ole Miss in the playoffs despite his LSU commitment.
  • Ole Miss rejected Kiffin's proposal and issued an ultimatum to him.
  • Kiffin is threatening to poach Ole Miss roster and staff if he cannot finish the season.

Lane Kiffin was the most sought-after candidate for vacant coaching positions and prospective head coaching appointments. The year 2025 has been quite unusual, to put it mildly, concerning the quantity of desirable coaching opportunities that have emerged.

Even with the conviction that Kiffin could achieve success in Oxford amidst college football's evolving environment, the appeal of LSU may have proven irresistible. Several reports are now corroborating the expectation that Kiffin will accept the LSU position.

If Kiffin opted for LSU, it would have raised a 'playoff' inquiry. Would Ole Miss allow Kiffin to lead the Rebels during their anticipated playoff journey if he accepted the LSU position? It appears the separation is poised to become contentious. As reported by On3's Brett Murphy, Lane Kiffin has delivered a warning.

Kiffin desires to lead the Rebels into the playoffs, irrespective of his future coaching position in 2026. Reports suggest Ole Miss won't endorse this if Kiffin opts to depart for LSU. According to Chase Parham of On3, Kiffin has presented his offensive assistants with an immediate ultimatum after Ole Miss rejected Kiffin's proposal.

Kiffin's purported final demand is peculiar. Although not a standard practice, a coach departing for a different institution and still guiding their current squad through a postseason tournament was always going to be improbable. Kiffin, as reported by On3, appears resolved to lead Ole Miss in the playoffs while also coaching at another venue next year. 

This requirement from “if they’re not on a plane to Baton Rouge today, they won’t have a spot on the staff” is audacious. It represents a substantial shift from the recent discussions concerning the ultimate outcome, even just a fortnight ago. Kiffin and Rebels athletic director Keith Carter appeared to be preparing for a continued partnership or, at the very least, an amicable parting.

Murphy further stated that beyond recruiting his offensive coaching team, he intends to recruit Ole Miss athletes to Death Valley. As per Murphy and an anonymous informant, “It’s unfortunately gotten even messier than expected as emotions are high”.

Marty Smith of ESPN has indicated that Kiffin is convening a team gathering today to inform the players regarding his choice. Concurrently, LSU has arranged a press conference for Monday to reveal Kiffin as their forthcoming head coach, according to accounts.   

More college football news: 

Staff Writer