In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through American college football, Lane Kiffin has departed the University of Mississippi to become the new head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), a move he says was encouraged by Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll.
The $90 Million Decision and Carroll's Counsel
After weeks of intense speculation, it was confirmed on Sunday that Kiffin had agreed to a seven-year contract with LSU worth a staggering $90 million. The Rebels head coach described the choice as "really hard," stating his heart remained in Oxford, Mississippi. However, conversations with trusted mentors ultimately swayed him.
In an interview with ESPN, Kiffin disclosed that he sought advice from both Carroll and coaching legend Nick Saban. Pete Carroll, who first hired Kiffin as a tight ends coach at USC in 2001, provided pivotal guidance. "Coach Carroll said, 'Your dad would tell you to go man. Take the shot. You can accomplish a lot here,'" Kiffin revealed.
This reference was to Kiffin's late father, Monte, a revered NFL defensive coordinator who passed away last July. Carroll suggested the move was one Monte would have endorsed.
Furious Backlash from Ole Miss Faithful
The announcement triggered an immediate and visceral reaction from disillusioned Ole Miss supporters. As Kiffin prepared to fly to Baton Rouge, a crowd gathered at University-Oxford Airport to jeer and boo the departing coach, hurling expletives as he walked from a chauffeured SUV to the waiting aircraft.
Kiffin fired back with a boastful message aimed at the furious fanbase. "I know that there's a lot of feelings and emotions right now," he said. "I hope when they settle down there's an appreciation about what we were able to do here and having the best run that's ever been done in the history of the school."
His tenure was undoubtedly successful; over six seasons, Kiffin compiled a 55-19 record, secured three top-15 finishes, and achieved double-digit wins in four campaigns.
Denied Final Season and Coaching Exodus
In a revealing social media statement, Kiffin confirmed reports that he had wished to stay and coach Ole Miss through the upcoming playoffs, a request denied by athletic director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce. "My request to do so was denied by Keith Carter despite the team also asking him," Kiffin stated, adding he respected the difficult decision.
The coaching exodus appears to have begun, with Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr. spotted boarding the same flight out of Oxford. One angry fan was heard yelling, "You f***ing b*****d, Charlie," as he departed.
Kiffin's close professional bond with Pete Carroll, whom he succeeded as head coach at USC in 2010, played a significant role in this seismic shift. As the dust settles on this controversial move, all eyes will now be on whether Kiffin can replicate his Ole Miss success at LSU and justify the monumental faith—and finance—placed in him.
