By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe drama surrounding Lane Kiffin’s future reached a new boiling point Sunday after reports surfaced that the Ole Miss coach, widely expected to accept LSU’s offer, has demanded the right to finish the 2025 season at Mississippi.
Late Saturday night and into early Sunday, reporting from On3's Brett McMurphy circulated that Kiffin was "essentially demanding to finish the season (w/ Ole Miss) while simultaneously threatening to poach" the roster and staff if the Rebels would not let him coach the postseason.
Ole Miss had called a players’ meeting for Sunday morning — initially set for 10 a.m. EST (9 a.m. CT)— when Kiffin was expected to inform his team of his decision and outline next steps.
However, the meeting was delayed three hours, with On3’s Pete Nakos reporting a new start time of 1 p.m. CT — heightening the already dramatic fallout between Kiffin and Ole Miss.
And now, Ole Miss has reportedly told assistant coaches that if they plan to follow Kiffin, they must leave immediately.
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Read More: Lane Kiffin’s Coaching Decision Narrowed Down to 2 Teams: Report
Ole Miss enters the postseason having secured its first 11-1 regular season in program history and a likely spot in the College Football Playoff, turning what would normally be a celebratory Rivalry Week finale into a high-stakes personnel standoff.
Sources tell multiple outlets LSU has prepared a near-seven-year offer in the neighborhood of $98–$100 million, an aggressive package intended to land one of the SEC’s most sought-after coaches.
...Read More: Texas’ Steve Sarkisian Sends Message to CFP Committee After Texas A&M Win
Ole Miss officials reportedly informed Kiffin that if he accepted another job, he would not be permitted to coach the Rebels in the College Football Playoff, citing concerns about recruiting, competitive integrity, and the potential for a rival program to benefit from Rebels personnel in postseason games.
That stance has become a central source of friction.
Reports indicate Kiffin will meet his team, likely inform them of his decision, then head to Baton Rouge for final negotiations and a formal announcement.
If Kiffin leaves, Ole Miss will quickly pivot to an interim structure while conducting a national search.
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