Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin answers questions from the press after a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
Lane Kiffin has officially accepted the head coaching position at LSU, a move that has sparked controversy as he criticizes Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter in his farewell statement. In a post on November 30, 2025, Kiffin expressed his disappointment over not being able to coach Ole Miss through the upcoming College Football Playoff, a goal he had hoped to achieve after building a successful program during his tenure.
Kiffin stated, “I was hoping to complete a historic six-season run with this year’s team by leading Ole Miss through the playoffs, capitalizing on the team’s incredible success and their commitment to finish strong.” He emphasized that his request to continue coaching through the playoffs was denied by Carter, despite support from the team. “Unfortunately, that means Friday’s Egg Bowl was my last game coaching the Rebels,” he added.
The decision to leave Ole Miss comes after Kiffin achieved a remarkable record of 55-19 over six seasons, marking one of the most successful stretches in the program’s history. This year, the Rebels finished the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record, positioning them for a potential playoff appearance.
As Kiffin transitions to LSU, the allure of a significant contract played a role in his decision, although Ole Miss reportedly made a competitive offer to retain him. The Rebels had made it clear that if Kiffin were to accept a position with a rival program, he would not be allowed to coach in the playoffs.
Concerns have also emerged regarding Kiffin’s reported attempts to recruit some of his players and coaching staff to join him at LSU. This may have influenced Ole Miss’s decision to limit his involvement with the team as they prepare for the playoffs.
Kiffin’s departure marks a significant shift for both Ole Miss and LSU. The Rebels will now need to find a new head coach to lead the program forward, while LSU welcomes Kiffin as they aim to enhance their own football legacy.
The impact of Kiffin’s departure will be felt not only in the locker room but also in the broader context of college football as both teams navigate this transition. As the College Football Playoff approaches, the focus shifts to how Ole Miss will respond to this unexpected change in leadership.
