Sunday morning former Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin made his decision about next season. With his name at the top of several coaching searches and a Rebels fanbase hoping he would stay, Kiffin opted to leave Ole Miss and head to Death Valley to coach the LSU Tigers.
Kiffin watch had almost become a day-to-day obsession, and for good reason. At the height, there were twelve open head coaching jobs. By the time it was understood Kiffin would make his decision after the Egg bowl, only two programs had hired coaches.
Once it became clear Kiffin was working on tying up loose ends in Oxford, other programs moved forward. Including Kiffin, five coaches decided on their 2026 coaching destinations. Kiffin to LSU, almost immediately thereafter Ole Miss announced they promoted defensive coordinator Pete Goldwing, Jon Sumrall to Florida, Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas and Alex Golesh to Auburn.
Kiffin is now en route to Baton Rouge along with offensive coordinator Charlie Wies and general manager Billy Glasscock. The three men boarded the plane to the sound of anger from Rebels fans. Before they left Oxford, ESPN’s Marty Smith caught up with Kiffin to get his final comments before leaving Ole Miss. The following is what Kiffin told Smith right before departing.
Initial reaction to the decision
Kiffin admitted this was a challenging decision and a challenging day. He revealed that the decision was made on Saturday, but he and athletic director Keith Carter spent part of the evening trying to create a framework that would allow Kiffin to coach the Rebels in the playoff. Ultimately it was Carter’s decision to deny that request. Kiffin claimed he understands and respects Carter’s decision
Reasons the decision was somewhat delayed
Kiffin spoke to the difficult nature of the decision and the six years he spent in Oxford. He addressed the emotion involved in his departure but hopes that when the dust settles, what they did in those six years might still be appreciated.
Family and impact were motivating factors. Kiffin referenced his father and the 17 places he moved to in his coaching career. He mentioned his father’s funeral and all the people from all of those places that showed their respects and mentioned the impact he made.
“I just prayed a lot,” Kiffin said. “Made a family decision and hopefully can impact a whole new group of people.”
Kiffin was asked not to attend the final meeting
Kiffin reiterated his respect for Carter’s decision, including requesting Kiffin not to attend that meeting. Smith asked for clarification and Kiffin confirmed AD Carter asked him not to attend.
Kiffin wanted to reach an agreement on coaching through the post season and doesn’t necessarily agree with that particular decision, but respects the decision. He even revealed a small piece of that conversation when mentioned Carter said he has to live there. Kiffin also made sure to mention “Keith has been amazing to us over the six years”.
Why LSU?
The former Rebels coach claimed his heart was in Oxford. He sought council from a few mentors. He admitted Pete Carroll told him Kiffin’s father would tell him to go.
He also showed some regret in leaving Tennessee after only one season. Despite all he had accomplished for Ole Miss Kiffin claimed, “I talked to God and he to told me its time to take a new step.”
What did LSU offer that Ole Miss does not?
Kiffin immediately admitted that he doesn’t have an answer for that. Reiterated the family decision and then said something curious. “Maybe its right, maybe its wrong, but sometimes you just go prove things right.”
Unsure about emotions regarding what they did in Oxford
Kiffin spoke of the emotions and the rushed nature of the decision. He also called head coaching is not a “normal job”. Quickly acknowledging that he’s not complaining about the job, but claimed it’s the kind of job that doesn’t afford time to consider a change and execute that change months later. “This is one of those strange jobs were you just have to get on the plane and go,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin addressed the ultimatum to his staff
In an almost polite response, Kiffin denied that he made any such ultimatum to his coaching staff. “Every coach has his own decision to make, and I would never give them an ultimatum like that.”
Kiffin is currently headed to the LSU campus to begin preparations and an introductory press conference scheduled for Monday. Rebels fans are voicing their frustration on social media, but the Rebels will need to regroup and prepare for the college football playoff. Heading into this week Ole Miss is the No. 6 team in the AP top 25 and a virtual lock to make the playoff.
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