Lane Kiffin announced his decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU after six seasons with the Rebels, according to ESPN’s Marty Smith.
The former Rebels head coach made his choice Sunday morning after his name topped several coaching searches. Ole Miss fans had hoped he’d stay in Oxford.
Kiffin watch had become a daily obsession for good reason.
At one point, twelve head coaching positions were open. By the time Kiffin decided to wait until after the Egg Bowl, only two programs had hired coaches.
Once it became clear Kiffin was wrapping up his time in Oxford, other programs moved quickly. Five coaches made their 2026 decisions. Ole Miss promoted defensive coordinator Pete Goldwing almost immediately after Kiffin’s departure. Jon Sumrall went to Florida, Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas and Alex Golesh to Auburn.
Kiffin boarded a plane to Baton Rouge with offensive coordinator Charlie Wies and general manager Billy Glasscock. Angry Rebels fans gathered as the three men left Oxford.
Smith caught up with Kiffin before his departure for final comments.
The Decision Process
Kiffin admitted this was a challenging decision and a difficult day. He made the choice Saturday but spent part of the evening with athletic director Keith Carter trying to create a framework that would let him coach the Rebels in the playoff.
Carter ultimately denied that request.
“I understand and respect Carter’s decision,” Kiffin said.
The coach spoke about the difficult nature of leaving after six years in Oxford. He addressed the emotion involved but hopes that when things settle down, what they accomplished during that time might still be appreciated.
Family and impact were motivating factors.
Kiffin referenced his father and the 17 places he moved to during his coaching career. He mentioned his father’s funeral and all the people from those different places who showed their respects and mentioned the impact he’d made.
“I just prayed a lot. Made a family decision and hopefully can impact a whole new group of people.”
Meeting Request Denied
Kiffin confirmed that Carter asked him not to attend the team’s final meeting.
He wanted to reach an agreement on coaching through the postseason and doesn’t necessarily agree with that particular decision, but respects it. He revealed a small piece of that conversation when he mentioned Carter said he has to live there.
“Keith has been amazing to us over the six years,” Kiffin made sure to add.
Why LSU Made Sense
The former Rebels coach said his heart was in Oxford. He sought advice from mentors, including Pete Carroll, who told him Kiffin’s father would tell him to go.
He showed some regret about leaving Tennessee after only one season.
Despite all he’d accomplished at Ole Miss, Kiffin said, “I talked to God and he told me it’s time to take a new step.”
When asked what LSU offered that Ole Miss doesn’t, Kiffin immediately admitted he doesn’t have an answer for that. He reiterated the family decision and then said something curious.
“Maybe it’s right, maybe it’s wrong, but sometimes you just go prove things right.”
Emotions and Timing
Kiffin spoke about the emotions and rushed nature of the decision. He called head coaching “not a normal job.”
He quickly acknowledged he’s not complaining about the job but said it’s the kind of position that doesn’t give you time to consider a change and execute that change months later.
“This is one of those strange jobs where you just have to get on the plane and go,” Kiffin said.
Staff Decisions
Kiffin politely denied making any ultimatum to his coaching staff.
“Every coach has his own decision to make, and I would never give them an ultimatum like that.”
Kiffin is headed to the LSU campus to begin preparations. An introductory press conference is scheduled for Monday.
Rebels fans are voicing their frustration on social media, but Ole Miss will need to regroup and prepare for the college football playoff.
The Rebels enter this week as the No. 6 team in the AP Top 25 and are virtually guaranteed a playoff spot.
