Ole Miss is heading toward a Playoff bid, and coach Lane Kiffin is a target of both the LSU and Florida searches. Jason Clark / Getty Images
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin avoided directly answering questions about his future during Wednesday’s weekly SEC coaches teleconference and questioned the notion that he might not coach next week’s game against rival Mississippi State.
The Athletic reported this week that Ole Miss officials want Kiffin, who industry sources say is being pursued by Florida and LSU, to make a decision on his future before that Egg Bowl game on Nov. 28, so the Rebels can both plan their postseason leadership and work on hiring Kiffin’s potential replacement. The Athletic also confirmed that Kiffin’s family has taken trips to Baton Rouge and Gainesville.
Kiffin denied to Pat McAfee on Tuesday that he’s been given an ultimatum. Asked Wednesday if he expects to coach against Mississippi State, Kiffin bristled at the idea he wouldn’t.
“Do you know something I don’t know?” he said. “Why would I not expect to coach next week? I expected to coach against Florida, too. I don’t even understand the question how I would not expect to coach next week. Why would I be at work? … We’re game-planning, we just practiced. I don’t even understand how that would happen. I must be missing something.”
Kiffin didn’t answer if there’s a possibility he could take another job before the postseason. Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1 SEC), which is idle this week, was No. 6 in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings and has a 96 percent chance to make the field, according to The Athletic’s projections.
Asked what his family learned on the trips to Gainesville and Baton Rouge, Kiffin replied, “I’m not getting into speculation or stories of things having to do with other jobs. I’ve said that about 10 times, but I understand you have to ask them.”
Puck News reported on Tuesday night that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry told people at a fundraiser that he’d spoken to Kiffin for two hours. Baton Rouge radio host Matt Moscona later said Landry denied that.
“I wouldn’t comment on that either way,” Kiffin said Wednesday.
Kiffin worked his way through not answering other direct questions about his future. When asked if it’s flattering to be sought after by three fan bases, he responded with some humor.
“It doesn’t feel good on this call.”
Nov 19, 2025
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
