Lane Kiffin weighed in on Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff semifinal loss Thursday night, praising his former team while criticizing officials for a crucial non-call.
The LSU coach posted on social media after the Rebels fell to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU in November but continued following his former team’s playoff run.
Kiffin tweeted a broken heart gif immediately after the loss.
He called it the “Best season ever in the history of Ole Miss!!” while praising the team’s “amazing effort and grit.” Kiffin coached the Rebels for their first 12 games this season before making the move to Baton Rouge.
Kiffin Questions Final Play Call
The former Ole Miss coach took issue with officials’ decision not to call pass interference on the game’s final play.
Pass interference !!! https://t.co/99jrGosJ5w
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) January 9, 2026
De’Zhaun Stribling appeared to be grabbed and pulled down by a Miami defender during Ole Miss’ Hail Mary attempt. Replay showed the receiver was impeded as the ball arrived in the end zone.
Pass interference calls rarely occur on Hail Mary attempts. Officials typically allow more contact because of the natural hand fighting that happens when multiple players converge on the ball.
Pete Golding also gestured toward the officials when time expired. The Ole Miss coach believed Miami’s interference with Stribling warranted a penalty flag.
The loss ends what became a months-long saga surrounding Kiffin’s departure. Miami advances to the national championship game while Ole Miss’ season concludes after their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Golding will now focus on preparing for his first full season as Ole Miss head coach. The Rebels are still waiting to see if quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will return for the 2026 season.
