Lane Kiffin's journey through college football has been nothing short of intriguing, marked by both triumphs and challenges. When he took the helm at Ole Miss in 2020, the program had only reached the 10-win mark twice in 20 years.
Kiffin quickly changed that narrative, yet he finds himself in a curious position, ranked by some below a coach who was dismissed last season. This paradox highlights a unique moment in his career, one that was unexpectedly spotlighted by a post on X.
In November 2025, Kiffin left Ole Miss to take over at LSU. During this transition, he acknowledged the support of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, a connection forged during their time together under Nick Saban at Alabama.
Kiffin’s post on X was a heartfelt nod to Sarkisian: “Thank you for those that did. Love you @CoachSark.”
This public tribute underscored the bond formed in the high-pressure environment of Alabama’s coaching staff.
As the 2026 season approaches, both Kiffin and Sarkisian are on the cusp of new challenges. Sarkisian, coming off consecutive College Football Playoff appearances with Texas, finds himself ranked above Kiffin in recent coaching evaluations. The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel placed Kiffin eighth, while Bruce Feldman ranked him 15th, just below James Franklin, who was recently let go by Penn State and is now with Virginia Tech.
Feldman’s ranking considered Kiffin’s record against top-10 teams, yet it overlooked his notable 4-3 record against such competition from 2022 onward at Ole Miss. In contrast, Franklin’s performance in similar matchups during his time at Penn State was less impressive.
Despite the rankings, Kiffin and Sarkisian are both aiming for greater success. Their shared history and mutual respect add an interesting layer to their professional rivalry. As they continue to chase bigger goals, the gap between them in the rankings might just close sooner than expected.