Lane Kiffin is headed to LSU, and the college football world is buzzing - not just because of the move itself, but because of how it all went down.
Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss marks yet another dramatic chapter in a coaching career that’s had more twists than a fourth-quarter comeback. And for those who’ve followed his journey closely, this latest exit feels familiar - maybe too familiar.
Paul Finebaum, a longtime observer of the SEC landscape and someone who’s tracked Kiffin’s career for nearly two decades, didn’t mince words when asked about the move. On First Take, Finebaum called Kiffin’s decision “utterly destructive,” pointing to the timing and the way it unfolded as a gut-punch to the Ole Miss program.
Let’s be clear: Kiffin had Ole Miss in a strong position. He told his players they had a shot at a championship - and they still do.
That’s what makes this departure sting even more. The season wasn’t over.
The mission wasn’t complete. But instead of seeing it through, Kiffin opted to jump ship, leaving behind a locker room full of players who bought into his vision.
And that’s where the criticism starts to carry real weight. This wasn’t just a business decision.
It was a decision made in the middle of a season where Ole Miss was still in the hunt. That’s tough to justify, especially when you consider the promises made to players, recruits, and staff.
Finebaum didn’t stop there. He brought receipts, referencing Kiffin’s past exits - from the Oakland Raiders to Tennessee, USC, and even Alabama.
Each stop has its own story, but a common thread runs through them: messy departures and bridges burned. And while Kiffin has always found a way to land on his feet, the pattern is hard to ignore.
Ole Miss gave him a real shot to rebuild his reputation. And to his credit, he did just that - turning the Rebels into a legitimate contender, bringing energy and swagger back to Oxford.
But now, after building something meaningful, he’s walking away again. And not for the first time, questions are swirling about what this means for the players left behind.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a case of a coach being pushed out or passed over. According to Finebaum, Kiffin had opportunities to leave in previous years - Florida last year, Alabama two years ago - but either didn’t get the call or chose to stay.
This time, he made the call himself. And it’s hard not to feel like the timing undercuts everything he preached to his team.
Kiffin is undeniably one of the most talented offensive minds in college football. His ability to scheme, recruit, and energize a program is elite. But with that talent comes a reputation - one that’s now been reinforced yet again.
As he heads to LSU, the spotlight will only grow brighter. Expectations will be sky-high, and so will the scrutiny. For now, though, the story isn’t just about where Lane Kiffin is going - it’s about how he left, and what he left behind.