Lane Kiffin Shocks College Football, Accepts LSU Head Coaching Job Immediately

Lane Kiffin is officially the next head football coach at Louisiana State University. The news broke on Saturday, concluding weeks of intense speculation. Kiffin leaves the University of Mississippi in the middle of its best season in decades. The Rebels are 11-1 and headed to the College Football Playoff.

However, Kiffin will not coach them in it. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter denied Kiffin’s request to finish the season. This stunning move creates immediate upheaval for two major SEC programs at the most critical time of the year.

Ole Miss Denies Playoff Request, Ending Kiffin’s Tenure Abruptly

The transition is effective immediately. In a statement, Kiffin called it a difficult decision made after prayer and family discussion. He expressed a desire to coach Ole Miss through the playoff. The team reportedly supported this idea.

According to national reports, Carter and the administration disagreed. They felt a clean break was necessary for the program’s future. Kiffin’s final game as the Rebels’ coach was a Thanksgiving win over Mississippi State.

He finishes with a 55-19 record over five seasons in Oxford. His tenure included three 10-win seasons and consistent top-15 finishes. His departure now leaves the playoff-bound Rebels searching for an interim coach.

Massive Financial Terms and a Contentious LSU Exit

LSU is making a huge investment to secure Kiffin. While terms are not fully official, multiple sources indicate a massive contract. It is believed to be worth around $12 million per season for seven years.

The deal may also include unprecedented support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives. Reports suggest commitments up to $30 million annually to attract top talent. This financial firepower was likely a key factor in Kiffin’s decision.

LSU is also entangled in a legal fight with former coach Brian Kelly. The university fired Kelly, who is now suing for his full buyout. That sum is reportedly worth $54 million. LSU may soon be paying two head coaches an enormous amount of money simultaneously.

Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU reshapes the SEC West and proves that in modern college football, even playoff dreams cannot stop coaching carousel chaos.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why isn’t Lane Kiffin coaching Ole Miss in the playoff?

Ole Miss leadership denied his request to stay on. Athletic Director Keith Carter decided an immediate change was best for the program’s stability, despite the team’s wishes to keep Kiffin for the playoff games.

Q2: How much is Lane Kiffin’s new LSU contract?

While not officially finalized, multiple reports state the deal is for about $12 million per year. The contract is expected to last for seven years, making it one of the richest in college football history.

Q3: What was Lane Kiffin’s record at Ole Miss?

He leaves with a 55-19 overall record. Under his leadership, Ole Miss achieved three seasons with 10 or more wins and finished ranked 11th or higher in the AP Poll three times.

Q4: Is LSU still paying Brian Kelly?

Yes, that situation is unresolved. Brian Kelly was fired and is suing LSU for the entirety of his buyout, which is approximately $54 million. This legal battle is separate from the new deal with Kiffin.

Q5: Who will coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff?

The university has not yet announced an interim head coach. The search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately, but an assistant will likely lead the team for its playoff game.