NFL Legend Issues Brutal Criticism of LSU, Lane Kiffin Drama

By Evan Massey

Contributing Sports Writer

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Throughout college football history, there have been very few situation as dramatic as the one that just unfolded between former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers.

For weeks, speculation about Kiffin's future raged. At one point, Ole Miss, Florida, and LSU were battling for his services. However, at the same time, the Rebels were having a great season and hurtling towards the College Football Playoff.

Finally, all of the drama came to an end. Kiffin announced that he had decided to take his coaching talents to the Tigers. Leaving Ole Miss was a tough decision, but it's one that he chose to make nonetheless.

Read more: Florida Dealt Bad News Quickly Following Jon Sumrall Hiring

Unfortunately for the Rebels, Kiffin left before the team's likely College Football Playoff run. Not only did he leave, but things got ugly. The players are now the ones paying for all the drama.

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Having such a great season just to have a head coach dip out is a tough break for Ole Miss. It's something that one NFL coaching legend did not like to see one bit.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher spoke out about the situation. He did not hold back from sharing brutal criticism about the way things went down between all parties involved.

"I think what happened there is a disgrace to the coaching profession," Cowher said. "The coaching profession is about developing young men – it's not about chasing the greener grass to somewhere else."

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Cowher is not wrong. No one can blame Kiffin for wanting to make a smart business decision, but the way he handled the situation was harmful to the players. In fact, change needs to come to college football in general.

Read more: Pete Carroll’s Surprising Role in Lane Kiffin Deciding on LSU

Having coaches in a position to leave schools before the end of the season is not a good look. Kiffin's case just happens to be the most popular in recent history. Plenty of coaches have left their teams before a bowl game or playoff run.

Regardless of Cowher or anyone else's opinion, the rules are the rules. Kiffin has made his choice. The Rebels can now only hope that the drama does not harm their chances of making a special run for the players.

For more on the LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, and college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.

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