Introduction
In one of the most talked-about sagas of the 2025 college football season, Lane Kiffin — head coach of Ole Miss Rebels — has been under intense scrutiny as coaches, fans, and media await whether he will stay at Ole Miss or bolt for LSU Tigers. With speculation mounting for days, many asked: Did Kiffin make the announcement today? As of now, the final answer remains — not definitively. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand, what’s likely next, and what it all means.
What’s the background — why is this announcement so anticipated?
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Lane Kiffin, a veteran coach with a history going back to USC, Tennessee and other programs, has been head coach at Ole Miss since 2020.
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The 2025 season has been huge for Ole Miss: following a decisive 38–19 win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, the Rebels went 11–1. That success has elevated expectations and increased demand for clarity about Kiffin’s future.
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Meanwhile, LSU — having fired their coach recently — has aggressively courted Kiffin, reportedly offering a 7-year deal worth around US$90–100 million. That would make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
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Given the timing — Ole Miss headed to a likely College Football Playoff (CFP) bid — the decision is not just about prestige or money, but also when and how Kiffin might transition, and whether he’ll coach this season through or step away now.
What was expected today — and what actually happened
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Originally, Kiffin was expected to announce his decision Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, after the Egg Bowl.
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Over the weekend, media outlets and insiders reported a scheduled team meeting for Sunday morning (Nov. 30) where Kiffin would formally address his future.
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As of early Sunday, several reports confirm that no official public announcement has been made. One source even said the decision has been “postponed.”
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During Saturday, Kiffin met with Ole Miss athletic officials, including athletic director Keith Carter and possibly the chancellor, but left without speaking to reporters — deepening the uncertainty.
Bottom line: As of this morning, no conclusive public announcement from Lane Kiffin. The widely expected “announcement today” remains elusive — though signs suggest a decision may be imminent.
Why the delay — what’s complicating the decision?
There are a few factors contributing to the delay and tension:
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Playoff vs. job change conflict: Kiffin reportedly wants to coach Ole Miss through the College Football Playoff, but Ole Miss administration seems unwilling to allow that if he leaves for LSU.
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Handshake vs. contract negotiations: Though LSU has reportedly offered a massive deal, until both sides finalize the contract, nothing is official. That appears to be part of why Kiffin has hesitated to publicly commit.
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Public and reputational pressure: Some view a mid-season departure as a betrayal of Ole Miss’s players and fans — a decision Kiffin may be weighing carefully.
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Logistics and staffing questions: Reports even suggest that Kiffin is quietly assembling a potential staff for LSU — a move that signals intent — but until he speaks, questions remain about timing and departure protocol.
What coaches, media & insiders are saying
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According to one media report, Kiffin’s “unwillingness to commit” publicly is being interpreted by some as a clear sign he’s leaning toward LSU.
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Others argue that if he truly wanted to stay at Ole Miss, he would have already said so — making silence a statement in itself.
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Meanwhile, some outlets suggest the deal is practically done — LSU is confident, and Kiffin might take over as their next head coach.
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Still, there’s a catch: one report claims that Kiffin has “one condition” — possibly relating to whether he can finish this season with Ole Miss — which may explain the hold-up.
What could happen next — 3 likely scenarios
| Scenario | What it means |
|---|---|
| Kiffin accepts LSU offer and leaves immediately | LSU gets its next head coach quickly; Ole Miss scrambles for interim leadership ahead of CFP; fans feel betrayed. |
| Kiffin accepts LSU offer but agrees to finish the season with Ole Miss | Smooth transition; Ole Miss gets continuity for CFP; LSU must wait — but deal nearly done behind the scenes. |
| Kiffin stays at Ole Miss (either signs new deal or declines LSU) | Huge win for Rebels fans; potential loss of recruiting boost for LSU; stabilizes Ole Miss heading into CFP. |
Given current reports, the most likely outcome seems to be Kiffin heading to LSU, but when and how remain uncertain.
Implications — For Ole Miss, LSU & College Football
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For Ole Miss: Losing a coach mid-season, even if he finishes out, could disrupt momentum — especially emotionally, for players and fans. It could also affect recruiting, NIL deals, and stability in the long run.
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For LSU: Landing Kiffin — especially on a big contract — could reset expectations, ramp up recruiting power, and revitalize a program that recently fired its prior coach.
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For the broader College Football Playoff landscape: Coaching moves midseason spark debates about fairness, loyalty, and the “real” value of playoff runs when coaches might not finish the season — potentially increasing pressure on institutions to set firmer rules.
Answer: So, did Lane Kiffin make an announcement today?
No — not yet.
While many expected a decision Saturday (or by Sunday morning via a team meeting), as of now there’s no definitive public announcement of where Lane Kiffin will coach next season. The silence — combined with behind-the-scenes staff moves and high-stakes negotiations — suggests a decision may be close. For now, fans, media, and college football insiders remain on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was the announcement originally expected?
A: The plan was for Kiffin to decide following the Egg Bowl game — reportedly on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, or by Sunday morning after a scheduled team meeting.
Q: What are the main factors delaying the announcement?
A: Key issues include whether Kiffin will coach Ole Miss through the season, contract negotiations with LSU (which reportedly offered a 7-year deal worth up to US$100 million), and the logistical and reputational implications of leaving mid-season.
Q: Has LSU already offered Kiffin a contract?
A: Yes — multiple reports indicate LSU has made a lucrative offer, making Kiffin one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, though nothing appears to be finalized publicly yet.
Q: Will Kiffin coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff if he moves to LSU?
A: That is a major sticking point. Ole Miss administration reportedly opposes that scenario — and part of the delay appears tied to whether Kiffin will commit to staying through the season or leave immediately if he accepts LSU’s offer.
Q: What’s likely to happen next?
A: Most insiders believe a decision is imminent. The likely outcome seems to be Kiffin eventually accepting LSU’s offer, possibly with conditions — but until he speaks publicly or signs a contract, nothing is certain.
Conclusion
The saga of Lane Kiffin’s coaching future remains unresolved — at least publicly. With high stakes for both Ole Miss and LSU, and with the College Football Playoff looming, every hour counts. Whether Kiffin opts for loyalty, legacy, or lucrative opportunity could reshape not just two programs, but ripple across the SEC and the broader college football ecosystem.
