Lane Kiffin's blockbuster move to Louisiana State University (LSU) has been quantified, with a new report revealing the financial scale of the deal that lured him away from Ole Miss. The head coach is set to earn a staggering $91 million across a seven-year contract, cementing his status among the sport's financial elite.
A Lucrative Deal and a Dramatic Departure
After 48 hours of intense speculation that held the college football world in suspense, Kiffin finalised his decision to leave the Ole Miss Rebels for their Southeastern Conference rivals over the weekend. The tense period culminated on Sunday night with the 50-year-old boarding a private jet sent by LSU in Oxford, Mississippi, amidst a chorus of boos and abuse from furious Rebels fans.
According to The Advocate, which claims to have seen a copy of the term sheet, Kiffin will be paid $13 million per year. This salary instantly makes him the second highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia's Kirby Smart, who earns $13.28 million this season.
Remarkably, the contract includes a massive incentive for ultimate success. Should Kiffin win a national title with the LSU Tigers, an 'automatic escalator' clause would trigger, pushing his compensation comfortably above Smart's to make him the best-paid college coach in America.
Exit Strategy and Financial Fallout
The report also details significant protections for Kiffin. If LSU were to fire him without cause, the university would owe him 80% of his remaining salary, paid in monthly instalments through to 2032. This clause highlights the long-term financial commitment LSU is making.
It is a commitment that comes with existing baggage. LSU is already on the hook for a substantial payout to former coach Brian Kelly, whom they fired in October with six years left on his deal. The school will pay Kelly nearly $54 million through the end of the decade following a legal dispute with the board of supervisors.
As he departed, Kiffin paused for an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith, where he addressed the Ole Miss fanbase. "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," he stated, while also expressing appreciation for his time in Oxford.
The Decision and the Aftermath
Kiffin described the choice as "really hard" but revealed that advice from legendary mentors Pete Carroll and Nick Saban was pivotal. He quoted Carroll as saying, "Your dad would tell you to go man. Take the shot. You can accomplish a lot here."
He also shed light on last-ditch efforts to find a way to coach Ole Miss through the upcoming playoffs before leaving, but acknowledged the final decision rested with athletic director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce. "I totally respect that decision," Kiffin said.
Kiffin confirmed his move in an emotional social media statement on Sunday, calling it a "difficult" decision made after prayer and time with family. His six-season tenure at Ole Miss concluded with a 55-19 record, including four seasons with double-digit wins and three top-15 finishes.
Notably, Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr. was seen boarding the same aircraft, presumably following Kiffin to Baton Rouge, a move that drew further ire from the gathered crowd.
