LSU football hires Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, Rebels set sights on future under new leadership
OXFORD, Miss. (WXXV) — After weeks of speculation, former Ole Miss football head coach Lane Kiffin has officially accepted a new position with the LSU Tigers.
Kiffin released a statement via X Sunday afternoon, saying that his decision came “after a lot of prayer and time spent with family.” He went on to say that while he asked to coach the Rebels in the upcoming College Football Playoff, Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter denied his request. Kiffin was also not allowed to attend a team meeting on Sunday afternoon.
During his six seasons in Oxford, the highly sought-after head coach amassed a 55-19 record, with four seasons of 10 wins or more.
A handful of former Ole Miss staff members are currently expected to follow Kiffin to LSU, according to Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. These include offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., general manager Billy Glasscock, wide receivers coach George McDonald, strength and conditioning coach Nick Savage, senior associate AD for football operations Thaddeus Rivers, co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, linebackers coach Chris Kiffin, senior director of player personnel Mike Williams and inside wide receivers coach Sawyer Jordan.
Kiffin’s new deal with the Tigers is reportedly for seven years, with a salary of approximately $12 million per year. There is also a potential for bonuses.
Two planes carrying the Kiffin family and staff members departed University-Oxford Airport on Sunday afternoon, arriving in Baton Rouge around 5 p.m. CT. An introductory press conference is expected on Monday.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss has named defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the program’s 40th head coach. Golding has been part of the Rebels’ staff since 2023 and will lead the team in the postseason before turning his attention to 2026.
Ole Miss’ Athletic Department released the following statement from Golding.
“I would like to thank Keith Carter, Chancellor Boyce and the entire Ole Miss leadership team for placing their trust in me,” Golding said. “Oxford is home, and it’s an incredible honor to lead one of the nation’s premier programs, and I can’t wait to get to work immediately and prepare this team to win a national championship.
“Ole Miss Football is special. Since the day I arrived, I’ve felt the passion, pride and unwavering support of Rebel Nation. This is a place where expectations are high, and football is woven into the fabric of the community. Our mission moving forward is clear: we will play with toughness, discipline and relentless effort in everything we do. We will recruit at the highest level, develop our players on and off the field, and compete every single day to bring championships to Oxford. Most importantly, we will represent this university with class and integrity.
“To the Ole Miss family, thank you for your support and belief. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to attack this challenge together.”
Ole Miss now awaits its fate regarding the College Football Playoff. The Rebels are currently projected to host a first-round game in Oxford on either December 19th or December 20th.
