The college football world was shocked when Lane Kiffin, the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, said he is leaving to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers. This surprise move comes just days before the College Football Playoff bracket is announced. Ole Miss, ranked No. 7, was very close to making the playoffs for the first time. Kiffin’s decision to leave has caused a lot of talk about loyalty, timing, and what will happen to both SEC football teams.
The Unprecedented Exit and the Playoff Dilemma
Kiffin’s exit happens at a very unusual time for Ole Miss. He led the team to an 11-1 regular season, and they were almost sure to make the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Kiffin wrote on social media that it was a “difficult decision” he made after “a lot of prayer and time with family” to take the LSU job. He also said Ole Miss denied his request to coach the team through the playoffs.
Even though the players wanted him to stay, Kiffin had to leave after the Rebels beat Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss gave him a quick deadline to decide his future. Many Ole Miss fans feel betrayed, while LSU fans are happy to get a well-known offensive coach who is good with transfers.
Kiffin’s Turbulents and Triumphs: A Career of Controversy
Lane Kiffin, 50 years old, has a history of dramatic or sudden coaching changes. This has made his move to LSU even more talked about. In 2008, he was fired by the NFL’s Oakland Raiders after a short time. Then in 2010, he left Tennessee after one season to go to USC. In 2013, USC fired him suddenly after four seasons.
At Ole Miss, Kiffin had six seasons of steady success. The Rebels had a 55-19 record, finished in the top 10 in 2023, and won three bowl games. He became known as a top offensive coach and recruiter, especially using the transfer portal. LSU offered him a big contract, rumored to be $13 million per year for seven years.
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The Next Era: Pete Golding Takes the Helm
After Kiffin left, Ole Miss moved quickly to keep the team stable for the playoffs. Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding was promoted to head coach. Golding has been with Ole Miss for three years and was a top defensive coach at Alabama for five years. He is known as a strong recruiter and good defensive coach.
Golding’s job is to lead Ole Miss in their first big playoff and keep the team together. Meanwhile, Kiffin starts his new job at LSU. This sets up a new rivalry in the SEC, with Kiffin now facing his old team as a competitor.
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