Lane Kiffin reveals key final factors in decision on leaving Ole Miss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lane Kiffin's next move remains the biggest unresolved question of the college football coaching cycle. While he's keeping everyone waiting, there was a minor update on Friday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Ole Miss' historic 11-win regular season, the seventh-ranked Rebels closed the regular season with a 38-19 win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, but their head coach left the field without clarity on his future. When asked postgame if he had reached a decision, Kiffin was very straightforward in his response but is still torn.
"No, I haven't," he said. "I've got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow. But right now, I'm just going to go enjoy these players. I told them last night, 'You're gonna win your 11th game.' All I want to do is enjoy watching you, and that's what I'm about to do."
What's eating up Lane Kiffin?
With reports of Florida dropping out of the running for Kiffin, this is a two-team battle between LSU and Ole Miss: staying in Oxford or starting over in Baton Rouge. What seems like an easy decision is taking the greater part of a month.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKiffin's roster delivered something rare: the winningest regular season in state and school history. If this is it for his time at Ole Miss, he's leaving at the worst time while chasing championship dreams. As for LSU, they might have better resources due to two national championships in the past two decades. However, the $54 million buyout being paid to Brian Kelly isn't going away.
More: Is Lane Kiffin pulling the greatest troll job in college sports history?
Also, why would any coach want to walk into a situation where they're not totally supported? At Ole Miss, there's no question Kiffin will be backed 100 percent. Can't say the same at LSU.
Kiffin's move likely the first domino
Kiffin has been the sport's hottest coaching target amid mid-season firings elsewhere. His resume includes abrupt departures. He left Tennessee for USC in 2010 after one season, a move that still shadows his reputation. Another exit could trigger renewed scrutiny, especially after Ole Miss elevated him from a 4-8 roster inherited in 2019 to a consistent 10-win contender.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore:When will Lane Kiffin announce his decision? Ole Miss coach reveals timeline for staying or leaving choice
Under Kiffin, the Rebels have produced 11-win seasons twice in the past three years and finished with at least 10 wins in four of his six seasons. His offense has set program scoring records, paired youth with portal experience, and turned Oxford into a destination rather than a stepping stone.
Kiffin said Friday's win was about players, not proclamations. But Saturday's decision, expected within 24 hours, may reshape the SEC's balance and define the next chapter of a coach who already turned out Ole Miss' most successful era this century.
More college football news:
Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M
