What's happened
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, after leading the team to an 11-1 season, left for LSU amid controversy. He appeared at LSU's basketball game instead of the Sugar Bowl, where Ole Miss was playing Georgia. Kiffin's departure involved disputes over coaching in the CFP and salary differences.
What's behind the headline?
Kiffin's decision to switch from Ole Miss to LSU highlights the high-stakes nature of college football coaching. His public appearance at LSU's basketball game, alongside coach Kim Mulkey, signals a strategic move to maintain visibility and influence. The dispute over CFP coaching rights and salary differences underscores the intense competition for top coaching talent. LSU's hiring aims to rebuild a program that has historically won national titles but struggled recently, especially after Kelly's midseason firing. This move will likely intensify the rivalry between Ole Miss and LSU, with Kiffin's departure raising questions about coaching loyalty and the power dynamics in college sports. The controversy over whether Kiffin was denied CFP coaching reflects broader tensions about coaching rights and institutional control, which will shape future negotiations and contracts in college athletics.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Kiffin appeared at LSU's basketball game with Kim Mulkey, walking hand-in-hand and waving to the crowd, while he was reportedly considering watching the Sugar Bowl or appearing on ESPN. The AP News details Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss, citing disputes over coaching in the CFP and salary differences, with LSU offering a seven-year, $13 million per year deal. Both sources highlight the contentious nature of his move, with Ole Miss's athletic director Keith Carter disputing Kiffin's claims about being denied CFP coaching opportunities. The coverage underscores the high-profile nature of the coaching change and the ongoing rivalry between the programs.
How we got here
Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss followed a successful season, with the team achieving its best record. His move to LSU comes after LSU fired Brian Kelly midseason. Kiffin signed a seven-year deal at LSU, replacing Kelly, who had a 34-14 record but failed to reach the playoff in three seasons.
Go deeper
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Lane Monte Kiffin is an American football coach who is currently the head football coach at the University of Mississippi.
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