Lane Kiffin has officially ended weeks of speculation by accepting the head coaching position at LSU, leaving his role at Ole Miss behind. With this decision, he will not complete the season with the Rebels, who were hopeful for a strong finish and a possible College Football Playoff appearance—a goal Kiffin indicated he wished to pursue.
Just before Kiffin’s announcement, a humorous post by the parody account 247Sport circulated on social media. It jokingly claimed that if Kiffin left for LSU, former Ole Miss quarterback and NFL superstar Eli Manning would step in as head coach. Manning, recognizing the playful nature of the post, chimed in, saying, “‘Coach Manning’ has a nice ring to it.” Manning, who led the Rebels from 2000 to 2003, added a lighthearted twist to the ongoing coaching drama.
In the wake of Kiffin’s departure, Ole Miss has appointed defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the new head coach, signaling a transition for the team as they adjust to a new leadership structure. Kiffin’s request to continue coaching the team through the season was reportedly denied by Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter, despite players expressing a preference to keep Kiffin at the helm for their final games.
Kiffin’s decision marks a pivotal moment in his coaching career and opens a new chapter at LSU, where he will be tasked with building a competitive program. As the Rebels navigate this change, there is hope that they can maintain their strong performance under Golding’s guidance, ensuring a bright future for the team despite the current upheaval.