Ole Miss Moves Forward After Lane Kiffin Departs for LSU

Lane Kiffin’s exit from Ole Miss for LSU has left a stir both on and off the field. Rebels fans expressed frustration at the coach’s departure, capturing the moment as Kiffin left Oxford by jet. The reaction highlights just how unexpected and emotional the decision was for the Ole Miss community.

The fallout hasn’t been limited to fans. Reports have surfaced that even Kiffin’s former yoga classmates are publicly criticizing the coach following his move. Whiskey Riff noted this latest wave of commentary, with some former classmates taking shots at Kiffin for leaving Ole Miss and, reportedly, leaving behind his dog, Juice.

Old Row Sports compiled a series of posts showing Kiffin’s yoga peers weighing in. One person reflected humorously, “I will miss him walking in late for class with that d*** hoodie on but knowing his mat is ready and waiting on him.” These posts add an unexpected layer of commentary to the already intense public reaction.

Despite the backlash, Kiffin leaves behind a legacy at Ole Miss marked by success. He guided the Rebels to an 11-1 regular season in 2025, putting them on track for a likely College Football Playoff appearance, before ultimately choosing to accept LSU’s head coaching role.

1. Kiffin’s Move to LSU

Kiffin’s decision comes after LSU fired Brian Kelly midseason following a 7-5 campaign. The Tigers, seeking a fresh start, found an experienced and high-profile coach in Kiffin, who has experience leading SEC programs and guiding teams to postseason success. The move, however, has generated significant backlash. In Oxford, fans voiced their disappointment at seeing a coach depart after delivering one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory. Social media posts and airport footage quickly went viral, reflecting the emotional investment of Rebel Nation. Beyond fans, Kiffin’s departure has drawn reactions from unexpected corners, such as his yoga classmates. The lighthearted but pointed commentary illustrates how public scrutiny can follow coaches beyond the field, particularly when a move involves a passionate fan base and a high-profile program. While Kiffin’s legacy at Ole Miss is still fresh, the story underscores the pressures and personal consequences that accompany high-stakes coaching transitions in college football.

2. Ole Miss Looks Ahead With Pete Golding

With Kiffin gone, Ole Miss has quickly moved to stabilize the program under new leadership. Pete Golding, the former defensive coordinator, has been promoted to head coach and is embracing the challenge. Golding spoke to the media about his excitement and vision for the program, emphasizing toughness, discipline, and the importance of recruiting top talent. “Our mission moving forward is clear: we will play with toughness, discipline and relentless effort in everything we do,” he said. “We will recruit at the highest level, develop our players on and off the field, and compete every single day to bring championships to Oxford.” The new head coach also highlighted the importance of representing Ole Miss with integrity and pride. Golding’s statement suggests a focus on maintaining continuity while building a culture that can thrive beyond Kiffin’s departure. As the team prepares for the College Football Playoff selection, set for December 7, Golding will be tasked with guiding the Rebels through a critical transition while preserving the momentum Kiffin built during the 2025 season.

3. Looking Forward

Ole Miss now faces the challenge of adjusting to life without Kiffin while keeping the program competitive in the SEC and nationally. The focus will be on executing Golding’s vision and ensuring that player development continues uninterrupted. The Rebels’ postseason fate remains uncertain as they await the CFP selection. Maintaining team focus and unity under a new coach will be crucial as the program navigates the pressures of high expectations and national attention. With a talented roster and a committed coaching staff, Ole Miss has the potential to sustain success, even as fans, former classmates, and media dissect the impact of Kiffin’s departure. The coming weeks will test the program’s resilience and ability to thrive amid change. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:f0f5f336-204c-4bf3-ac0d-b45768697585-33” data-testid=“conversation-turn-40” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

How the team responds in practices, game preparation, and off-field leadership will ultimately determine whether Ole Miss can turn a turbulent offseason into an opportunity for growth and long-term stability.