Lane Kiffin’s abrupt exit from Ole Miss has sparked debate over how his departure will impact the Rebels’ chances in the College Football Playoff rankings. Just hours after Kiffin left, discussions emerged about the potential consequences of losing their head coach as well as several key coaching assistants. One notable sports analyst, Chris Fallica from FOX Sports, expressed on social media that the committee may need to reassess Ole Miss’s standing given their current situation. He highlighted that with the Rebels ranking seventh in offensive efficiency, they would now be without their head coach, offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach, leaving the defensive coordinator, who oversees the least efficient defense among playoff contenders, to take the helm.
In response to these concerns, Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter quickly defended the program, dismissing the speculation as “click bait” and emphasizing the team’s impressive 11-1 record in the SEC. His assertion shows confidence in the Rebels’ ability to compete regardless of coaching changes.
As discussions continue, the question remains on whether the College Football Playoff committee will penalize Ole Miss due to Kiffin’s departure. This subject had previously been raised before Kiffin’s exit, with committee chairman Hunter Yurachek acknowledging that changes within the coaching staff are indeed factors in rankings. He noted the committee would take the appropriate steps if such a situation occurred but did not provide a definitive answer on how they would handle Ole Miss’s new reality.
Further complicating matters, reports have emerged from Las Vegas indicating that Ole Miss’s power rating could drop by two to four points without Kiffin, which aligns with the committee’s methods for evaluating teams. With Kiffin now officially out, all eyes will be on how the committee addresses this development as they look to finalize rankings leading to the playoffs. Despite the uncertainties, Ole Miss remains poised to maintain its competitive edge as they navigate this transitional period.