Lane Kiffin Reveals Secret Florida State Offer Before Choosing LSU Coaching Job

Lane Kiffin is the new head football coach at LSU. He was introduced at a press conference on Monday. His decision to leave Ole Miss was complex.He confirmed he had multiple offers from top programs. According to ESPN, a secret offer came from a school that never officially had an opening.

The Fourth, Secret Program in Kiffin’s Decision

Kiffin stated his decision involved four different schools. He called it a very difficult choice. The known contenders were LSU, Florida, and staying at Ole Miss.The fourth option was a surprise. Sources told ESPN’s Mark Schlabach it was Florida State. Seminoles AD Michael Alford quietly pursued Kiffin in November.Alford and Kiffin worked together at USC years ago. Florida State coach Mike Norvell was struggling at the time. The school would have needed over $70 million to buy out its staff.

Why LSU Ultimately Won the High-Stakes Bidding War

Kiffin said the financial offers were all extremely similar. He praised LSU’s strong NIL support system for players. That factor helped tip the scales toward Baton Rouge.His new contract is worth over $13 million per season. The deal lasts for seven years. Kiffin joked he hadn’t even seen the final details himself.His choice created a domino effect across college football. Florida hired Tulane’s Jon Sumrall shortly after. Auburn then hired South Florida’s Alex Golesh.

PBS Faces Major Funding Crisis as Trump Administration Cuts $550 Million

Kiffin’s move to LSU reshapes the SEC’s competitive landscape and confirms his status as the sport’s most coveted coach.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Lane Kiffin choose LSU?

He said the financial offers were similar from all schools. LSU’s powerful NIL program for supporting players was the key differentiator. This helps attract and retain top talent.

Which other schools tried to hire Kiffin?

He confirmed four options. These were LSU, Florida, and staying at Ole Miss. The fourth was a secret pursuit by Florida State, according to ESPN.

Did Florida State fire its coach to pursue Kiffin?

No. Athletic director Michael Alford made a quiet run at Kiffin while Mike Norvell was still the coach. When Kiffin said no, FSU announced Norvell would return.

How much is Kiffin’s new LSU contract?

It is a seven-year deal. Reports state it will pay more than $13 million per season. This makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Who replaced Kiffin at Ole Miss?

Ole Miss promoted from within. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding was named the new head coach. His first game will be in the College Football Playoff.