Pat McAfee advises Lane Kiffin to remain content at Ole Miss amidst LSU speculation.

Speculation Surrounds Lane Kiffin’s Future

The rumors around Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin are heating up as prominent college football programs like LSU and Penn State search for their next head coach. ESPN’s Pat McAfee, a former NFL player, voiced a strong desire for Kiffin to remain in Oxford, Mississippi, during Saturday’s “College Gameday.” McAfee, a West Virginia University grad, feels Kiffin should embrace success where he is.

“If Lane Kiffin is listening, I just want to say… you can be happy and content, brother,” McAfee expressed. “You’re allowed to be in a place and have great success. You’re allowed to build that place from the ground up. I think there’s this feeling among some coaches that they have to accept the next job offer.”

Interest in Kiffin’s potential move to LSU has intensified, especially after reports emerged that LSU officials are preparing a substantial contract offer for him. Kiffin has a solid coaching record at 115 wins and 53 losses, having previously worked at Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic, and Ole Miss. Following a string of losses to ranked teams, LSU parted ways with Brian Kelly earlier this season.

Kiffin recently met with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and university president Glenn Boyce to discuss his future. After their meeting, Carter indicated that Kiffin’s situation would likely be clarified following the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State, marking the end of the regular season for the Rebels.

Regarding the rumored offer, Kiffin’s impressive 54-19 record with the Rebels since 2020 is noteworthy. Current discussions hint at a seven-year deal, potentially worth at least $90 million, which would position Kiffin as the highest-paid college football coach in the nation. Additionally, LSU is looking to invest over $25 million in NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities, which could boost Kiffin’s recruiting capabilities significantly.

Meanwhile, Florida State, having recently dismissed coach Billy Napier, seems eager to attract Kiffin to reinvigorate their program as they aim for prominence in college football rankings.

Yet, it’s evident that Kiffin is in a promising situation with the Rebels, who are eyeing a College Football Playoff berth. Even amidst ongoing speculation, he remains the top candidate for these coaching vacancies. The current Ole Miss players face a challenging situation, especially as they fight for a playoff spot. McAfee can empathize with them, recalling his own experience when former West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan—a transition that didn’t pan out for Rodriguez.

McAfee’s sentiment? “If Rich Rod hadn’t left, he probably would have named the whole university after him.” He believes Kiffin should consider sticking with Ole Miss instead of chasing other opportunities.