Joe Burrow’s Muted Reaction to LSU Hiring Lane Kiffin Raises Eyebrows

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow offered a notably subdued response to his alma mater’s recent coaching hire. The LSU legend was asked about the Tigers’ decision to appoint Lane Kiffin as their new head football coach. Burrow’s immediate, hesitant reaction spoke volumes before he even formed a word.

The exchange occurred shortly after Burrow’s first game back from a turf toe injury. His brief, non-committal comments have fueled speculation about his true feelings toward the high-profile move in Baton Rouge.

Burrow’s Brief Comments and Surprise at Coaching Carousel

Burrow’s verbal response was as measured as his initial facial expression. He paused and offered a simple assessment. “Um… I think he’s a good coach,” Burrow said with a shrug. “I guess we’ll… see how it goes. Those are my thoughts.”

The quarterback then revealed he hadn’t been closely following the college football news cycle. According to Sports Illustrated, he asked reporters if Kiffin’s former team, Ole Miss, would make the College Football Playoff. Upon hearing they would, he noted the timing was far from ideal for a playoff run.

Historical Context and a Potential Bridge to LSU’s Glory Days

Burrow confirmed Kiffin never personally recruited him during his college career. Interestingly, Kiffin was listed as a recruiter for Alabama when Burrow was a high school prospect in 2015. Burrow was not offered a scholarship by the Crimson Tide.

He later transferred to LSU and played for Ed Orgeron. That move led to a historic 2019 season and a national championship. Now, reports indicate Orgeron is open to joining Kiffin’s new staff at LSU. Such a reunion could create a direct link between the new regime and the program’s greatest quarterback.

Joe Burrow’s famously calm demeanor was on full display regarding the LSU Lane Kiffin hire. His muted reaction highlights the complex transition ahead for the Tigers as they turn the page to a new era under a polarizing coach.

Info at your fingertips

What was Joe Burrow’s exact reaction to the Kiffin news?

He paused, shrugged, and said, “Um… I think he’s a good coach. I guess we’ll… see how it goes.” His hesitant tone and body language suggested a lack of overwhelming enthusiasm for the hire.

Did Lane Kiffin ever recruit Joe Burrow?

Burrow stated Kiffin did not recruit him. While Kiffin was listed as an Alabama recruiter when Burrow was in high school, the Crimson Tide never formally offered him a scholarship.

What did Burrow win at LSU?

Joe Burrow led LSU to the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. He also won the Heisman Trophy that same record-breaking season.

Could Ed Orgeron return to LSU under Kiffin?

Yes. Multiple reports, including from Reuters, state that former coach Ed Orgeron has expressed openness to rejoining the LSU staff in an off-field role under the new head coach.

Why was Burrow surprised by the timing?

He was unaware Kiffin was leaving Ole Miss right before the College Football Playoff. Burrow called it “certainly not an ideal situation for a playoff run.”