Lane Kiffin Draws SEC Interest Amid Ole Miss’ CFP Push

Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin is drawing attention from multiple SEC programs even as his team is on the brink of a College Football Playoff appearance. During the Rebels’ bye week, reports indicate Kiffin’s family visited Baton Rouge, suggesting interest in a possible move to LSU, one of the nation’s most prestigious coaching positions.

According to NOLA.com’s Wilson Alexander, LSU arranged for a plane to transport several of Kiffin’s family members from Oxford, Mississippi, to Baton Rouge, where they toured the city. The visit underscores the growing speculation that Kiffin could be considering a change despite Ole Miss’ historic season.

Kiffin’s success this season has made him a coveted target. The Rebels are 10-1 overall and 6-1 in the SEC, with victories over Florida, LSU, and Oklahoma. Their strong record positions Ole Miss for a likely top-six College Football Playoff ranking, making any potential coaching transition especially complex.

Amid these developments, Florida also remains a possible landing spot. The Gators, who recently fired Billy Napier, and LSU, dealing with the departure of Brian Kelly, are two programs with rich histories and high visibility that make them appealing options for Kiffin.

1. SEC Coaching Landscape

Florida and LSU are among the most prestigious openings in the SEC. Florida fired Napier on October 19, a week before LSU navigated its own coaching change following the departure of Brian Kelly. Both programs offer a combination of financial resources, national exposure, and championship potential that few other programs can match. LSU, in particular, has a legacy of success. Kiffin would join a program where previous coaches, including Nick Saban and Ed Orgeron, won national titles. By contrast, Ole Miss last claimed a national championship in 1962, with its most recent SEC title occurring just a year later. Financial considerations also play a role. According to reports, LSU was paying Kelly roughly $1.175 million more than Kiffin, who is already the ninth-highest-paid head coach in the country. The Tigers’ resources and historical prominence make them an enticing option for a coach of Kiffin’s caliber. Despite the allure of these programs, extracting Kiffin from Ole Miss would not be straightforward. The Rebels are on the cusp of a College Football Playoff berth, and even a loss to Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl would likely leave them at 10-2, maintaining playoff eligibility and potentially a first SEC championship game appearance.

2. Ole Miss’ Season and Kiffin’s Impact

Kiffin has transformed Ole Miss into a national contender, energizing the team and orchestrating notable wins over major SEC rivals. Victories over Florida and LSU this season underscore his ability to prepare his team for high-stakes matchups. The Rebels’ CFP prospects are strong. A win over Mississippi State would likely lock in their first-ever playoff appearance, while even a loss would leave them competitive for a top-six ranking, depending on outcomes for Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M. Kiffin’s leadership and recruiting networks have been central to this turnaround. His ability to attract talent and develop players has reinvigorated a program that has historically struggled to compete consistently at the highest levels of the SEC. This combination of on-field success, recruiting prowess, and high-profile wins has made Kiffin one of the most sought-after coaches in the country, with multiple programs eager to secure his services in the offseason.

3. Looking Ahead

The Rebels and Kiffin now face a delicate balance. Ole Miss is likely willing to pay top dollar to retain their coach, but the lure of LSU’s resources, history, and prestige could be difficult to resist. Meanwhile, Florida offers another high-profile alternative with substantial financial incentives. LSU hosts Western Kentucky this weekend before finishing the season at Oklahoma on November 29, while Ole Miss concludes its season a day earlier on Black Friday. These final games could influence both Kiffin’s considerations and the broader coaching market. As the SEC coaching carousel spins, all eyes will remain on Kiffin. His decision could reshape the balance of power in the conference and impact the national title picture heading into 2026. Even with potential offers on the table, Kiffin must weigh the chance to lead a playoff-bound Ole Miss team against the historic prestige and financial allure of LSU or Florida.