Charlie Weis Jr. is heading to LSU - but not just yet.
The former Ole Miss offensive coordinator is set to follow Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge, where he’ll take over the same role under Kiffin’s new regime with the Tigers. But before he begins that next chapter, Weis is making one more run with the Rebels. Ole Miss announced Tuesday that Weis will return to help call plays through the College Football Playoff, giving the team some much-needed continuity in the biggest stretch of its season.
It’s a rare move in today’s coaching carousel, where transitions are often swift and final. But this one comes with Kiffin’s full blessing.
“With the playoff committee releasing updated rankings tonight, I wanted it to be known that after conversations with LSU, we are allowing Charlie to return to Ole Miss to coach the team during the playoffs,” Kiffin said in a statement. “I’ve already made the committee aware of this and I’m hopeful this decision will allow Ole Miss to receive the highest ranking possible because these great players are very deserving of that.”
Kiffin didn’t hold back on his praise for the Rebels, calling them “the greatest team in the history of Ole Miss.” That’s not just coach-speak - there’s weight behind those words.
The Rebels just wrapped up an 11-1 regular season, capped by a convincing 38-19 win over Mississippi State on Black Friday. It’s one of the most successful campaigns in program history, and while they won’t be playing in the SEC Championship Game, they’re all but locked in for an at-large bid to the College Football Playoff.
Still, Kiffin’s departure could have raised some red flags with the selection committee. A head coach leaving before the postseason always brings questions - about leadership, about focus, about how a team might respond.
Locked in for the @CFBPlayoff 🔒 pic.twitter.com/0WBe7fbYTF
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 2, 2025
That’s where Weis’ return becomes more than just a feel-good story. It’s a stabilizing force at a critical moment.
Weis, for his part, made it clear that this decision wasn’t just about loyalty - it’s about finishing what he started with a group he clearly believes in.
Statement from Lane Kiffin on Charlie Weis Jr. returning to Ole Miss to coach in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/6tHtr9tqzZ
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) December 2, 2025
“I’m grateful to LSU for allowing me the opportunity to finish this season with Ole Miss,” Weis said. “Coach Kiffin and the LSU administration have been nothing but supportive. I’m excited about the playoff run.”
It’s not often you see a coach officially on staff with one program return to call plays for another - especially one that could be a direct competitor in future SEC battles. But this is a unique situation, and it speaks to the relationships and trust built behind the scenes. Kiffin and Weis are clearly on the same page, and LSU’s willingness to accommodate the move says a lot about their long-term vision.
For Ole Miss, this is about keeping the offensive rhythm intact. Weis has been instrumental in building one of the most dynamic attacks in college football this season.
With him back in the fold for the postseason, the Rebels won’t have to adjust on the fly. The players know the system.
They trust the voice in their headset. That matters - especially in a playoff environment where every possession is magnified.
It’s also a nod to the players who got Ole Miss to this point. They’ve earned the right to go into the postseason with their full arsenal. And with Weis back calling plays, they’ll have exactly that.
So while the Lane Kiffin era in Oxford is officially over, the Charlie Weis Jr. chapter gets one more high-stakes encore. And for a team chasing a national title, that continuity could be the edge they need.