Kiffin Responds to Reporter Post-Rivalry Win
After Ole Miss secured a victory against Mississippi State, head coach Lane Kiffin didn’t hold back when responding to a reporter who referred to him as a “bastard” on a podcast. Kiffin confronted Ben Garrett from On3.com—who has covered the team since 2008—and said, “Do you want to come in here and call me? Well, let’s see.” It felt pretty tense, to say the least.
During the podcast, Garrett had remarked, “You can’t make Hoss a housewife. Hoss isn’t doing the right thing.” Kiffin’s comeback was direct, responding to a critical remark in a way that only someone with a lot on the line could. “You want to come in here and call me a hoe? Well, see what happens,” he said.
When Kiffin brought up the confrontation in the press conference postgame, Garrett tried to clarify that he wasn’t calling Kiffin that but was actually addressing his commitment to the team. Kiffin, however, seemed unfazed, shrugging it off with, “Actually, I don’t even know your name.” Ouch, right?
Kiffin went on to say, “Calling someone a ho is on a different level. This is as bush league as Mississippi State stealing Trinidad’s jersey last night.” He clearly didn’t take too kindly to that criticism.
In a pregame chat with ESPN, Kiffin also noted an unusual incident at the Egg Bowl, mentioning that Mississippi State fans allegedly broke into the Ole Miss locker room at 3 a.m. to steal quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ jersey. It adds a layer of chaos, doesn’t it?
There were also physical altercations on the field. Near the end of the first half, some punches were thrown after there was confusion over a fumble that was later called an incomplete pass. Just another bizarre chapter in this ongoing rivalry.
Ultimately, while Ole Miss celebrated their 38-19 victory—finishing the regular season at 11-1 with Chambliss throwing for 359 yards and four touchdowns—Kiffin’s interactions seemed to steal the spotlight. Now, at age 50, he faces a decision on whether to remain with Ole Miss or pursue the LSU head coaching position. After the game, he mentioned he hasn’t made a choice yet, saying, “No, I haven’t. I had to pray a lot to figure it out tomorrow.” The tension is palpable.
