Lane Kiffin gives Ole Miss staff a strange ultimatum ahead of official announcement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lane Kiffin was the belle of the ball regarding open coaching jobs and potential head coaching hires. 2025 has been atypical to say the least as it pertains to the number of quality coaching jobs available.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite a belief that Kiffin can win in Oxford given the changing landscape of college football, the allure of LSU might have been too much to pass up. Multiple sources are confirming Kiffin is expected to take the LSU job.
If Kiffin chose LSU, it was going to present a ‘playoff’ question. Would Kiffin be permitted by Ole Miss to coach the Rebels for their expected playoff run if he takes the LSU job? Seems the breakup is about to get ugly. According to On3’s Brett Murphy, Lane Kiffin has issued a threat
Kiffin wants to coach the Rebels in the playoff regardless of where he will coach in 2026. Ole Miss allegedly will not support that if Kiffin chooses to leave for LSU. Per Chase Parham of On3, Kiffin has given his offensive staff an immediate ultimatum following Ole Miss’ refusal to Kiffin’s plan.
Kiffin’s alleged ultimatum is curious. While not a default policy, a coach leaving for another program and continuing to coach their team through a playoff run was always going to be unlikely. Kiffin, according to On3, seems determined to coach Ole Miss in the playoffs and coach elsewhere next season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis demand of “if they’re not on a plane to Baton Rouge today, they won’t have a spot on the staff” is bold. A significant departure from the narratives surrounding the eventual decision as recently as the last couple weeks. Kiffin and Rebels athletic director Keith Carter seemed to be bracing for a future together or at least a peaceful separation.
Murphy added that in addition to poaching his offensive coaching staff, he also plans to bring Ole Miss players to Death Valley. According to Murphy and an unnamed source, “It’s unfortunately gotten even messier than expected as emotions are high”.
Marty Smith of ESPN has reported that Kiffin is holding a team meeting today to address the team about his decision. Meanwhile, LSU has scheduled a Monday press conference to announce Kiffin as their next head coach, per reports.
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