Ole Miss Athletic Director's Efforts to Retain Lane Kiffin
Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter is making it clear that he wants to keep Lane Kiffin in Oxford. Under Kiffin's leadership, the Rebels have climbed to the 7th best team in the nation, boasting a 7-1 overall record and a 4-1 mark in the SEC. As they head into week 10, the Rebels are in control of their own destiny, both in the SEC and in the college football playoff. This week, they will face the South Carolina Gamecocks, and there are no more ranked teams left on their schedule.
Kiffin is currently under a six-year contract with Ole Miss, which was recently extended in 2022. If this deal is extended again in 2025, it could last into the 2030s. His current salary of $9 million places him as the 10th highest-paid coach in college football. According to the Daily Journal, Carter is committed to doing "what it takes financially to keep Kiffin in Oxford."
Carter mentioned earlier this month that he has already been in talks with Kiffin's agent, Jimmy Sexton, and plans to be "proactive with working out a deal with Lane and Jimmy." The focus is clearly on securing Kiffin's future with the program.
A Controversial Hire That Has Paid Off
Kiffin's hiring in 2020 was not initially seen as a strong move for the program, given his previous stints at USC, Alabama, and the Oakland Raiders. However, Ole Miss AD Carter saw similarities between Kiffin's journey and his own. Carter, who grew up in Arkansas, was overlooked for opportunities there and instead worked with a struggling Ole Miss basketball program. He recognized a similar opportunity with Kiffin — a chance to build something from the ground up.
Since Carter took over, the Ole Miss basketball program has won SEC division titles and become a consistent presence in tournament play. This history of turning around programs likely influenced his decision to retain Kiffin.
Benefits of Staying at Ole Miss
Ole Miss offers several advantages that other programs might not. These include top-notch facilities, a strong recruiting base within the SEC, and a lifestyle that could be appealing to Kiffin. His son, Knox, is currently the quarterback at Oxford High School, and the pace of life in Oxford may not be found at other SEC jobs like Florida or LSU, which have recently had coaching changes.
Kiffin’s personality and social media presence, which might not be valued by every program, are embraced in Oxford. This cultural fit could be a key factor in his decision to stay.
A Growing Trend in College Football
Several high-profile college football coaches have been let go this season. Some programs in need of new leaders may find Kiffin more attractive now than they did in 2020. Programs like Florida and LSU, despite their recent challenges, could seem appealing in a vacuum. Whether it's the small-town atmosphere of Oxford, the sense of building something at Ole Miss, or the personal connection Kiffin feels with the program, there are compelling reasons for him to remain where he is.
Upcoming Matchup
The upcoming game between South Carolina and No. 7 Ole Miss will take place on Saturday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and will be broadcast on ESPN. This match is crucial for both teams as they continue their pursuit of postseason success.