Lane Kiffin has accepted the head coaching position at Louisiana State University (LSU), ending weeks of speculation and marking one of the most significant coaching moves in college football. Kiffin confirmed his decision on Sunday (November 30) after meeting with his Ole Miss team, stating that he made "the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU" after much consideration and family discussions.
Kiffin, who led Ole Miss to an 11-1 record this season, sought permission from Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter to coach the Rebels through the College Football Playoff (CFP) but was denied. "Unfortunately, that means Friday’s Egg Bowl was my last game coaching the Rebels," Kiffin wrote, expressing his fondness for his six-year tenure at Ole Miss. According to ESPN, Kiffin's deal with LSU spans seven years, with an annual salary of approximately $12 million, potentially reaching $90 million with incentives, plus up to $25 million in roster bonuses.
Ole Miss swiftly appointed defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the new head coach. Golding will lead the team into the CFP, where Ole Miss is considered a strong contender for the national title. Keith Carter expressed excitement for Golding's leadership, stating, "All of our players and coaches are ecstatic and ready to lock arms for a playoff run."
Kiffin's move to LSU comes after discussions with mentors, including former coaches Nick Saban and Pete Carroll. He stated, "I talked to God, and he told me it's time to take a new step. It's a new chapter." Kiffin will be formally introduced as LSU's head coach on Monday (December 1).