Reportedly, Lane Kiffin's probable successor has been identified before he makes his choice.

Jeff Hauser

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Lane Kiffin's immediate 'likely' replacement reportedly named ahead of his decision image

TL;DR

  • Joe Judge is expected to be Ole Miss's interim coach if Lane Kiffin leaves.
  • Judge has NFL head coaching experience and previous SEC coaching ties.
  • His appointment aims to provide stability for Ole Miss's postseason potential.
  • Judge will oversee preparations for playoff games during this coaching transition.

Ole Miss has apparently acted quickly to get ready for a future without Lane Kiffin. Should he depart, Joe Judge, the quarterbacks coach, is anticipated to be appointed as the interim successor.  

ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported the plan Friday night following a charged Egg Bowl that ended in a 38-19 Rebel victory. Judge is in his second season coaching at Ole Miss. Judge returned to college ranks after NFL stops with New England and the New York Giants, where he served as head coach from 2020-21.

Judge's professional background features previous connections to the SEC. He served as a special teams assistant for Alabama between 2009 and 2011, a period that coincided with Kiffin's tenure. His coaching journey commenced as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State, his former university, from 2005 to 2007. Prior to his NFL career under Bill Belichick, Judge also held a position on MSU's staff from 2005 to 2007.

Judge's transfer provides stability for An Ole Miss team ready for a potential SEC Championship Game appearance and a probable home College Football Playoff opening round. 

With only two returning starters and a ninth-place projection in the SEC preseason poll, Kiffin has often pointed to this situation when commending his team's toughness.

As Kiffin's choice becomes known, Judge is anticipated to oversee preparations for postseason competition during a critical juncture in one of the sport's most significant coaching changes for 2025.

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Staff Writer