Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU was, without question, one of the most polarizing storylines of the 2025 college football season. The fallout was swift and dramatic. Not only was Kiffin barred from leading the Rebels onto the field during the College Football Playoff, but the goodwill he’d built over six seasons in Oxford seemed to vanish almost overnight.
Still, college football has a funny way of keeping its ties tangled. Despite the messy exit, Kiffin has more than just sentimental reasons to keep an eye on his former team’s postseason run. Thanks to a unique clause in his LSU contract, every step Ole Miss takes in the CFP is putting extra money in Kiffin’s pocket.
Why Kiffin’s Still Getting Paid by Ole Miss’ Success
Here’s the twist: when Kiffin left Ole Miss, his contract with the Rebels was voided - as expected. But LSU baked in a clause that mirrors one from his old deal, allowing him to earn bonuses based on Ole Miss’ performance in the College Football Playoff. That’s right - the further the Rebels go, the more Kiffin earns, even though he’s now wearing purple and gold.
So far, it’s already paid off. Kiffin collected $150,000 just from Ole Miss being selected for the CFP.
After the Rebels dismantled Tulane 41-10 in the first round, he picked up another $100,000. And if Ole Miss goes all the way and wins its first national title since 1962?
That would push Kiffin’s total CFP bonus haul to a cool $1 million.
That money doesn’t come immediately, though. Per the terms of his deal, Kiffin’s bonus payments are due within a month of Ole Miss’ final game of the postseason.
A Contract Loaded with Incentives
Kiffin’s LSU contract is more than just a standard coaching deal - it’s a seven-year, $91 million agreement that puts him among the highest-paid coaches in the country. He’s set to earn $13 million annually, but there’s room for growth.
If LSU wins a national championship during his tenure, Kiffin’s contract includes an escalator clause that would make him the highest-paid coach in college football. That clause can only be triggered once, and only if the Tigers bring home the title. It’s a high-stakes incentive, but one that speaks to LSU’s belief in Kiffin’s ability to deliver big results on the biggest stage.
It’s unclear whether LSU has added a similar CFP bonus structure tied to its own postseason success, but given how creative this deal already is, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Kiffin Still Showing Love to Oxford
Despite the drama surrounding his departure, Kiffin hasn’t completely turned the page on Ole Miss. After their dominant win over Tulane, he took to social media to congratulate the team - and especially new head coach Pete Golding.
“Congrats to all the coaches and players @OleMissFB and especially @CoachGolding and seeing his 2 boys on the sidelines 💙❤️ Great win today. #1-0. #BeatGeorgiaInTheBoot”
Even in a business as cutthroat as college football, there’s still room for a little grace - especially when there’s a bonus check on the line.
Breaking Down the Bonus Structure
Here’s how Kiffin’s CFP-related bonuses stack up:
- Ole Miss makes the CFP: $150,000
- Rebels advance to the quarterfinals: $100,000
- Rebels win the national title: $750,000
Add it all up, and Kiffin could walk away with $1 million this postseason - all without coaching a single snap for the Rebels.
The Bigger Picture
This situation is a fascinating case study in how modern college football contracts are evolving. It’s not just about wins and losses anymore - it’s about leverage, legacy, and, yes, loyalty (or the lack thereof). Kiffin’s deal with LSU shows how programs are thinking outside the box to attract top-tier coaching talent, while also protecting their own long-term interests.
At 50 years old, Lane Kiffin is no stranger to controversy, but he’s also no stranger to innovation. Whether it’s on the field or in the fine print, he continues to find ways to stay ahead of the game. And as Ole Miss continues its playoff run, Kiffin will be watching - not just as a former coach, but as a financially invested spectator.