In a stunning twist, Lane Kiffin, the former head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, has left his 11-1 team—right as they stood on the edge of a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth—to take the head coaching job at LSU.
This move has sparked plenty of debate and, honestly, a fair bit of backlash. Still, Kiffin’s recent actions have drawn praise from some corners.
Even after leaving, Kiffin showed support for his old team. He allowed four LSU assistants to rejoin the Ole Miss staff for their playoff run.
There’s a lot to unpack here: Kiffin’s decision, what it means for Ole Miss, and their looming CFP showdown against Tulane.
Lane Kiffin’s Move to LSU: A Controversial Decision
Kiffin’s choice to leave Ole Miss for LSU has gotten mixed reviews, to put it lightly. The seasoned coach agreed to a hefty seven-year, $91 million contract with LSU, which includes a clause that could make him the highest-paid coach if he wins a national title there.
The timing and manner of his exit from Ole Miss have drawn plenty of criticism. Some folks just can’t get past it.
Financial Incentives and Backlash
The massive financial incentives tied to Kiffin’s new deal have been a lightning rod. Critics argue the chance to be the highest-paid coach took priority over his loyalty to Ole Miss.
But Kiffin’s actions after leaving hint at something more complicated.
Praise for Allowing LSU Assistants to Join Ole Miss
In a move nobody really saw coming, Kiffin let four current LSU assistants join the Ole Miss staff for their CFP run. This has been seen as a boost for the Rebels, giving them a better shot at a national title.
Some speculate Kiffin’s championship bonus played a role here, but whatever the reason, Ole Miss has benefited.
Ole Miss’s Road to the College Football Playoff
Ole Miss has had a season for the books, grabbing the No. 6 seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Their journey to the CFP has been nothing short of remarkable.
The team has shown a lot of grit and determination all season long.
Regular-Season Showdown Against Tulane
One big highlight was their dominant 45-10 win over Tulane, with Lane Kiffin still on the sidelines back then. That game set the stage for their upcoming CFP rematch against the No. 11 Tulane Green Wave.
Now, defensive coordinator Pete Golding—recently promoted to permanent head coach—will lead the team into this crucial matchup.
Player Commitment and Team Spirit
The players have embraced the coaching change and stayed focused on their national title dreams. Their unity has been clear as they prep for the Dec. 20 game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. EST.
That kind of dedication says a lot about the foundation Kiffin built during his time at Ole Miss.
Kiffin’s Message of Support
Even with all the controversy swirling, Lane Kiffin keeps showing support for Ole Miss. Not long after ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news about the LSU assistants, Kiffin retweeted it with a simple, fired-up message: Go win it all!!!!
This public show of encouragement has struck a chord with fans and players alike. It adds a bit of warmth to his legacy at Ole Miss, honestly.
Looking Ahead: Ole Miss vs. Tulane
The upcoming CFP rematch with Tulane is a huge moment for Ole Miss. Their earlier win over Tulane gives them some confidence, but the stakes are way higher now.
Under Pete Golding, Ole Miss will try to repeat their regular-season success and push even further in the playoff bracket. Should be one heck of a game.
Conclusion: A Season of Triumph and Transition
Lane Kiffin’s move from Ole Miss to LSU has turned heads all season. The decision’s stirred up plenty of debate, as you’d expect in college football.
Even after leaving, Kiffin’s words of support for Ole Miss haven’t gone unnoticed. The Rebels seem to have found their footing, making some sharp moves since he left.
Now, as Ole Miss gears up to play Tulane in the first round of the College Football Playoff, there’s a lot riding on their resilience. Can they keep it together and make a real run at the championship? We’re about to find out.
For more details on this unfolding story, visit the original article on Newsweek.
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