'Difficult decision.' What Lane Kiffin said about leaving Ole Miss for LSU

'Difficult decision.' What Lane Kiffin said about leaving Ole Miss for LSUStory by'Difficult decision.' What Lane Kiffin said about leaving Ole Miss for LSUMatthew Glenesk, USA TODAYSun, November 30, 2025 at 8:36 PM UTC·2 min read

Lane Kiffin's grip on the college football carousel has lessened as the Ole Miss coach announced Sunday afternoon he was leaving for the LSU job.

Kiffin wanted to stay and coach the Rebels in the College Football Playoff, but was told no by Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter.

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TOPPMEYER: Lane Kiffin torches Ole Miss legacy for renegade's exit to LSU

Here's what Kiffin said about Sunday's decision and his time in Oxford:

"After a lot of prayer and time spent with family, I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU," Kiffin posted to social media at 3 p.m., Sunday. "I was hoping to complete a historic six season run with this year's team by leading Ole Miss through the playoffs, capitalizing on the team's incredible success and their commitment to finish strong, and investing everything into a playoff run with guardrails in place to protect the program in any areas of concern. My request to do so was denied by Keith Carter despite the team also asking him to allow me to keep coaching them so they could better maintain their high level of performance. Unfortunately, that means Friday's Egg Bowl was my last game coaching the Rebels.

"While I am looking forward to a new start with a unique opportunity at LSU, I will forever cherish the incredible six years I spent at Ole Miss and will be rooting hard for the team to complete their mission and bring a championship to Oxford."

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.1 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.1 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next head coach. Franklin was fired earlier this season at Penn State. He replaces Brent Pry, who was fired midseason by the Hokies.2 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris from North Texas to be the Cowboys next head coach. Morris replaces longtime OSU coach Mike Gundy, who was fired earlier this season.3 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Colorado State hired Jim Mora Jr. as its new head coach. Mora led UConn to back-to-back nine-win seasons and replaces Jay Norvell, who was fired midseason.4 / 4

These college football coaches are on the move. See who found new home

Oregon State hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its head coach, replacing Trent Bray who was fired after an 0-7 start this season.

LSU put on a news release announcing Kiffin's hire and later added a quote from their new coach:

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“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to lead the storied LSU Football program,” Kiffin said. “From national championships to iconic players, LSU is synonymous with excellence and is among the most powerful brands in all of sports. I’m grateful to President Rousse, Verge Ausberry and LSU’s leadership for placing their faith in me to lead this program. Our staff will recruit the very best student-athletes in the country – starting at home in the state of Louisiana – and will work tirelessly every day to bring championships that the LSU fans deserve. Geaux Tigers!”

Defensive coordinator Pete Golding will lead the Rebels in the CFP and be named permanent Ole Miss coach, per multiple reports.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Lane Kiffin said about leaving Ole Miss for LSU football

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