Coaching Career & Background
Lane Kiffin has had a long and varied coaching career, spanning both the NFL and college football.
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After graduating from college in 1998, Kiffin started as a graduate assistant at Colorado State University, then took a quality-control role with Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.
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He then moved to college football, joining USC Trojans (University of Southern California) in various assistant-coach roles — eventually becoming their offensive coordinator.
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In 2007, he became head coach of the Oakland Raiders, making him one of the youngest modern-era NFL head coaches.
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After his NFL stint, Kiffin returned to college football — he coached Tennessee Volunteers, then had a second head-coach stint at USC, and later served as offensive coordinator at University of Alabama.
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From 2017 to 2019, he was head coach at Florida Atlantic Owls, rejuvenating the program and posting strong records.
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In December 2019, he was hired as the head coach of Ole Miss Rebels, starting a new chapter of his career.
Under his leadership at Ole Miss, Kiffin transformed the program, leading them to multiple bowl appearances — including prestigious New Year’s Six bowls — and delivering several double-digit win seasons.
As of late November 2025, after a strong 11–1 regular season with Ole Miss, Kiffin accepted a new opportunity: he’s now signed to become the head coach of LSU Tigers.
Contract — From Ole Miss to LSU
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While at Ole Miss, Kiffin had been earning about US$9 million per year.
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On November 30, 2025, Kiffin accepted LSU’s offer: a seven-year contract reportedly worth roughly US$12 million annually (plus potential bonuses).
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Some sources even suggest the overall value could approach US$100 million, including incentives — making it one of the richest deals in college football.
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The move effectively ends his tenure at Ole Miss — his final game coaching them was their regular-season finale (the “Egg Bowl”).
This contract not only reflects his value as a coach but also shows how high expectations are for him at LSU: to lead the Tigers to elite-level success.
Personal Life — Wife & Family
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Kiffin was married to Layla Reaves; the couple married in 2004.
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Together they have three children: daughters Landry Kiffin and Presley Kiffin, and son Knox Kiffin.
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However, Kiffin and Layla divorced in 2016, reportedly due to personal issues including allegations of infidelity.
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Their divorce ended a 12-year marriage, but their children remain a central part of Kiffin’s personal life.
Recent Statement & Transition to LSU
Upon accepting the LSU job, Kiffin released a statement explaining his decision. He said that after “a lot of prayer and time spent with family,” he made the “difficult decision” to leave Ole Miss for the opportunity at LSU.
He had hoped to finish the season and lead Ole Miss into the postseason — a historic six-year run — but his request was denied by the school’s athletic director, prompting the departure.
Kiffin expressed gratitude for his six years with the Rebels, saying he would “forever cherish” that time — yet emphasized he’s looking forward to “a new start” and the challenge of leading LSU.
What This Move Means — Reflection
Kiffin’s leap to LSU marks a significant chapter in his tumultuous but resilient career. From NFL beginnings to multiple college assignments, he’s reinvented himself repeatedly — now culminating in a high-profile deal and renewed expectations.
His family story underscores a personal journey parallel to his professional one: early marriage, divorce, three children, and years balancing family life with the demands of top-tier coaching.
With the LSU contract, Kiffin is poised to cement his legacy — but with a spotlight and pressure that come with elite status in college football heading into 2026 and beyond.
