The anticipation around Lane Kiffin’s coaching future is at a peak as Decision Day approaches following the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter has set November 29 as a pivotal deadline for Kiffin to clarify his status as head coach.
Kiffin has led Ole Miss to an impressive season, finishing 11-1 and claiming a spot in the College Football Playoff after defeating Mississippi State 38-19. As the day unfolds, multiple reports indicate that Kiffin will meet with Carter around 4 p.m. EST to discuss his future, amidst ongoing speculation regarding potential interest from LSU.
Sources suggest that LSU is highly optimistic about securing Kiffin’s services with offers rumored to be around $100 million over seven years. The allure of coaching a historically successful program could be a compelling factor in Kiffin’s decision.
While the LSU side expresses confidence, Carter has stated that he expects Kiffin to remain with Ole Miss. Kiffin himself has been quoted expressing the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that it isn’t merely about financial incentives. Although he is reportedly interested in improving his roster’s financial support, Kiffin insists he is not primarily motivated by money.
In the event Kiffin decides to leave, reports have indicated that Ole Miss quarterbacks coach Joe Judge would step in as the interim head coach for the College Football Playoff. Judge’s prior experience with the New York Giants, while tumultuous, positions him as a potential caretaker during a transitional period.
As Kiffin weighs his options, he remains focused on preparing for a potential matchup against Georgia in the SEC Championship, showing that his current commitments to the Rebels are very much at the forefront of his decisions.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has also weighed in, advocating for Kiffin to lead his team in the upcoming SEC Championship Game, even if he chooses to leave for LSU.
As the hours draw closer to the decision, the football community holds its breath. Kiffin finds himself in a coveted position, navigating high-stakes choices that could significantly impact his career trajectory and the futures of the programs involved.