Three potential coaching prospects to monitor following Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss

Jeff Hauser

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Three coaching candidates to watch after Lane Kiffin leaves Ole Miss image

TL;DR

  • Ole Miss is targeting Jon Sumrall of Tulane and Alex Golesh of USF as coaching prospects.
  • Jon Sumrall has a strong track record at Troy and Tulane, enhancing defenses and achieving success.
  • Jeff Brohm of Louisville is also a contender with extensive FBS coaching experience and offensive strategy skills.
  • Ole Miss seeks coaches who embrace the portal and NIL to maintain playoff standing.

While the college football community anticipated developments regarding the Lane Kiffin situation, Ole Miss has been discreetly preparing an alternative strategy, concentrating on two main coaching prospects: Jon Sumrall of Tulane and Alex Golesh of USF. A third individual who might become a contender is Louisville's Jeff Brohm.

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger shared that Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter has begun initial discussions with Sumrall and Golesh, and both are considered contenders for The Oxford position. Carter's internal roster has since focused on these two coaches who possess Southeastern recruiting background and program development skills. 

Sumrall emerges as the most suitable candidate from a philosophical standpoint. The previous head coach at Troy established a track record of transforming defenses before assuming leadership at Tulane, achieving a 19-7 record over two years. 

The Green Wave's defense saw immediate enhancement under his guidance, and his squad secured a spot in the conference championship game during his inaugural year. Sumrall is also a prime candidate for Florida's vacant coaching position, which complicates the timing but highlights his growing national recognition. His connections with recruiters throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama lend him authority in SEC territories.

Brohm possesses the most comprehensive background. He achieved a 93-56 FBS win-loss record while coaching Western Kentucky, Purdue, and Louisville, notably securing Purdue's inaugural Big Ten West championship in 2022. His Cardinals concluded the current season with an 8-4 standing amidst speculation regarding a contract extension. Brohm's expertise in offensive strategy and his track record of developing quarterbacks are attractive to a Rebels organization aiming for stability following Kiffin's departure.

Ole Miss anticipates swift action should Kiffin depart, relying on coaches who embrace the portal and NIL and can maintain its playoff standing. 

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Contributing Writer