Liputan6.com, Jakarta Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has been in the spotlight in the college football world after a crucial announcement regarding his future was delayed.
Kiffin was previously scheduled to announce his decision on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the day after the crucial Egg Bowl game.
Advertisement
However, as of Sunday, November 30, 2025, Kiffin had not made a public statement, sparking speculations and anxiety among fans and observers.
This delay indicates deep deliberation behind the scenes, especially given the significant contract offer from Louisiana State University (LSU).
This situation places Kiffin at a crossroads, where he must choose between loyalty to Ole Miss, which he led to a historic season, or a new opportunity with financial incentives and the potential for greater challenges at LSU.
Lane Kiffin's Speculation and Announcement Delay
Initially, an announcement regarding the future of coach Lane Kiffin was expected to occur on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
This date was set the day after Ole Miss faced Mississippi State in the prestigious Egg Bowl, a moment considered strategic for a major announcement.
However, more than 24 hours after the expected date, there was no official statement from Kiffin.
This delay immediately sparked speculation, with many suggesting that Kiffin was considering complex options.
Following Ole Miss's victory in the Egg Bowl, Kiffin stated that he had not yet made a final decision.
He even said he needed to pray a lot about his next move, although he indicated a decision would be made on Saturday.
The Battle for Lane Kiffin: Ole Miss vs. LSU
In the race for Lane Kiffin's services, two prominent institutions of higher education, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Ole Miss, were the leading candidates.
The Florida Gators were also previously favored, but now appear to have dropped out of contention, leaving a tight battle between the two teams.
LSU has reportedly prepared a lucrative contract offer for Kiffin, potentially reaching $98 million over seven years.
This figure would make him the highest-paid coach in college football, surpassing other top coaches.
Ole Miss, on the other hand, is not sitting idly by.
They have offered a contract extension with comparable compensation to keep Kiffin at Oxford.
Kiffin's current contract with Ole Miss runs through December 31, 2030, with an annual salary of $9 million and a buyout clause of $36.6 million, representing a significant financial commitment on the part of the Rebels.
The Future of Kiffin's Decision
One key factor that may have delayed Lane Kiffin's decision is his desire to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff (CFP), despite his stated intention to transfer to LSU.
Ole Miss officials are reportedly reluctant to allow this scenario due to the complex recruiting implications and potential conflict of interest.
While Kiffin is still weighing his options, Ole Miss has shown they are prepared for any eventuality.
The Rebels administration has reportedly been actively searching for a replacement, with names like Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh being mentioned as potential candidates.
The 2025 season was a historic one for Ole Miss under Kiffin, with a 10-1 (6-1 SEC) record through 11 games and 11-1 (7-1 SEC) after the Egg Bowl.