Bo Schembechler's involvement could make the Lane Kiffin situation extraordinary

Jeff Hauser

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Lane Kiffin saga could turn unprecedented with Bo Schembechler twist image

TL;DR

  • Ole Miss may fire Lane Kiffin before the College Football Playoff if he accepts another job.
  • A 1989 Michigan basketball precedent saw a coach dismissed before the NCAA Tournament.
  • Ole Miss AD Keith Carter faces a dilemma: program values versus Kiffin's playoff leadership.
  • Industry officials are split on allowing a departing coach to lead in the postseason.

This week saw another development in the Lane Kiffin coaching situation, as On3's Brett McMurphy released a report questioning if Ole Miss would consider firing its head coach prior to the College Football Playoff should he accept another position.

As Kiffin's highly awaited choice approaches, whether it's a renewed Ole Miss contract or a move to Florida or LSU, McMurphy posed a query few considered likely. Could the Rebels bar Kiffin from coaching in the postseason if he won't be back in 2026?

McMurphy cited a seldom-seen historical example. Back in 1989, Michigan dismissed basketball coach Bill Frieder just before the NCAA Tournament commenced because he had accepted the Arizona State position. Athletic director Bo Schembechler then elevated assistant Steve Fisher, stating, “I want a Michigan man to coach Michigan.” The Wolverines subsequently secured the national championship.

Ole Miss may soon wrestle with a modern version of that dilemma. Rebels athletic director Keith Carter could be forced to decide whether program values outweighs Kiffin’s leadership in a potential playoff run.

According to McMurphy, dozens of athletic directors and industry officials were split, with a majority saying they would not allow a departing coach to remain through the postseason. Yet a Twitter poll McMurphy conducted offered a different snapshot. 56% said they would keep Kiffin on the sideline, while 39% said they would move on.

While Ole Miss awaits Kiffin's choice, the program is now confronted with a unique dilemma that could influence not just its playoff readiness, but its future character.

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News Correspondent