Lane Kiffin’s Evolution: Why He Should Choose Each School

The drawback is that LSU is also the highest-pressure job on this list. There are few programs who demand so much out of a head coach. The last two head coaches, Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly, were fired two years after winning a national title and after going 34-14 and winning a division in year one with a future Heisman Trophy winner. 

Florida Gators

Arguably the biggest sleeping giant in the nation. Florida was a historically good program 15 years ago under Urban Meyer. A series of subpar, but not terrible, head coaches have left Gator fans yearning for the glory days or Meyer and Steve Spurrier, who I think Lane sees a bit of himself in. They think Kiffin, who has never taken a team to the playoff, can be the man to do that. Kiffin started the resurrection of his image in-state at Florida Atlantic, so he has experience here. It is also one of the most talent laden recruiting hot beds in America. He won’t have to go as far to get an elite roster.

On top of that, they also would have the resources to fund his adventures into the transfer portal. This job would be demanding and winning is expected, though he would have more leeway than at LSU, so that’s a positive. The downside is, this program has a ways to go to catch up with the other current SEC powers and the roster will look markedly different in 2026, though maybe that’s the case anywhere. 

Ole Miss Rebels

After the past week, I see this one as unlikely, but not out of the question. Typically, in scenarios like this we would say you get more grace, are loved more, and can punch your own ticket if you stay at a program you resurrected. I’m not sure that is the case anymore after the last two weeks and how Kiffin has rubbed the Rebel fans wrong. Now, if he stays and they make a playoff run, most will be forgiven. Kiffin has overseen the best run at Ole Miss in over half a century.

He is 54-19 in six seasons, with a bowl appearance each year. The partners might be upset now, but reconciling the marriage can happen with wins. This program is significantly better than when Kiffin took over, no one doubts that. Staying also gives Ole Miss the sense that they are an elite job, that hold weight in certain circles. Still, the timing of a statement troubles me. If he was 100 percent staying, why wait until after the Egg Bowl to address that?

Prediction: Kiffin goes to LSU.