Lane Kiffin Inks Historic $91 Million Deal to Lead LSU Football Program

Lane Kiffin is the new head football coach at Louisiana State University. The university confirmed the hire on Sunday. Kiffin arrives from Ole Miss, where he spent the last four seasons.

His move ends a weekend of intense speculation. The 50-year-old coach was swiftly flown to Baton Rouge to finalize the agreement. According to ESPN, the deal positions him among the highest-paid coaches in the sport.

Contract Details Make Kiffin Second-Highest Paid Coach

The financial terms are now public. NOLA.com obtained the term sheet for the new contract. Kiffin has signed a seven-year deal worth $91 million.

This breaks down to $13 million per year. That salary makes him the second-highest paid coach in college football. Only Georgia’s Kirby Smart earns more.

It is a major raise from his time at Ole Miss. He was making approximately $9 million annually there. The contract includes a powerful incentive for winning.

Should Kiffin win a national title at LSU, his salary escalates. The clause would automatically make him the highest-paid coach in the country. It is a clear signal of the program’s championship ambitions.

Massive Buyout Clause Provides Unprecedented Security

The contract also offers Kiffin significant protection. It includes a substantial buyout clause. This details what LSU must pay if he is fired without cause.

According to the report from Wilson Alexander at NOLA.com, the terms are steep. LSU would owe Kiffin 80% of his remaining salary. This would be paid in monthly installments over the rest of the contract.

Critically, the agreement lacks a mitigation clause. This means the payments would continue even if Kiffin takes another job. It provides exceptional financial security for the coach.

This structure represents a major commitment from the university. It shows they are betting heavily on Kiffin’s long-term success. The deal resets the market for top coaching talent.

Lane Kiffin’s landmark contract with LSU sets a new standard in college football. It reflects the immense pressure and financial stakes of the modern game. The Tigers have secured their man with a historic financial guarantee.

Thought you’d like to know

How long is Lane Kiffin’s LSU contract?

Lane Kiffin signed a seven-year contract with LSU. The deal will keep him in Baton Rouge through the 2030 season. It is a full-term commitment from both sides.

What is Lane Kiffin’s annual salary at LSU?

Kiffin will earn $13 million per year at LSU. This totals $91 million over the seven-year contract. It makes him the second-highest paid coach in college football.

Who is the highest-paid college football coach?

Georgia’s Kirby Smart is currently the highest-paid coach. Kiffin’s new deal places him directly behind Smart. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney is also among the top earners.

What is the buyout in Kiffin’s LSU contract?

If fired without cause, LSU owes Kiffin 80% of his remaining salary. The payments are made monthly with no offset clause. This provides him with considerable financial protection.

What was Kiffin’s salary at Ole Miss?

At Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin earned about $9 million per year. His new LSU contract represents a pay increase of $4 million annually. It is a significant raise for his new role.

What triggers Kiffin’s salary escalator?

Winning a national championship at LSU triggers the escalator. It would automatically make his salary the highest in the country. The exact new figure would be negotiated at that time.