Lane Kiffin has stated that he needs “a lot of praying to do” before making a decision about his future, particularly whether he will depart Ole Miss to take the coaching position at LSU. However, reports suggest he is leaning toward a significant choice. ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay tweeted late Friday that “Kiffin”s decision is apparently made, I was just told. Tomorrow”s gonna be a wild day.” This indicates that Kiffin may have already settled on his future direction.
Additionally, Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk reported that Kiffin is preparing to assemble his coaching staff at LSU, which raises concerns for Ole Miss supporters. While Florio refrained from asserting that this was definitive proof of Kiffin”s departure, he did mention that Kiffin is “putting the pieces in place” should he choose to accept the role as the Tigers” head coach.
The complexity of Kiffin”s decision is compounded by Ole Miss”s recent success, as they secured their 11th win of the season by defeating Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl. This victory positions the Rebels as contenders for the national championship. Kiffin, who has spent six seasons at Ole Miss, addressed the media after the game, acknowledging the weight of his decision. “There”s a lot into it,” he said at his postgame press conference. “It”s a hard decision. You guys have them all the time. You”ve got to make decisions about jobs you take and where you move, and we get paid a lot so I understand we”re under a lot of spotlight and scrutiny.”
In a notable exchange, Kiffin confronted a reporter who referred to him derogatorily. LSU is in search of a new head coach following the termination of Brian Kelly, and discussions have reportedly taken place regarding a lucrative seven-year, $90 million contract for Kiffin. Ole Miss has stated it will match any offers extended to Kiffin.
With the Gators shifting their focus to Jon Sumrall, the head coach at Tulane, after sensing irregular communication from Kiffin, he has lost one potential suitor. Nonetheless, one certainty remains: Ole Miss will participate in the College Football Playoff, and if Kiffin does not remain, former Giants coach Joe Judge, who serves as the Rebels” quarterbacks coach, is expected to step in as interim coach, according to ESPN.
