Lane Kiffin has been named the new head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), ending his six-year stint at Ole Miss. This announcement came on December 1, 2025, after Kiffin wrapped up a successful season with the Rebels, leading them to an impressive 11-1 record and a College Football Playoff berth. His move to LSU was driven by a lucrative seven-year contract reportedly worth $91 million, making him the second-highest-paid college football coach, just behind Georgia’s Kirby Smart.
Despite Ole Miss’s successful playoff run, Kiffin will not coach during the postseason, as his request to remain with the team was rejected by Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter. In light of Kiffin’s departure, Ole Miss has promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach, who will now lead the team in the College Football Playoff.
LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry expressed strong confidence in Kiffin’s abilities, highlighting his track record as a “proven winner” who excelled in adapting to the evolving college athletics landscape. Kiffin’s extensive coaching career includes roles at Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic, and the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. At Ole Miss, he achieved a 55-19 record over six seasons, culminating in five consecutive bowl appearances and several noteworthy victories.
Kiffin’s hiring comes on the heels of Brian Kelly’s dismissal earlier in the season, marking a significant shift in LSU’s football program. As Kiffin transitions to his new role, expectations grow regarding the potential revitalization of the Tigers’ future success under his leadership. The college football community eagerly anticipates the impact of Kiffin’s coaching at LSU.
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