Lane Kiffin has emerged as a prominent candidate for the head coaching position at Louisiana State University (LSU). His family’s recent visit to Baton Rouge has intensified speculation around his potential hire. Reports suggest that Kiffin may make a decision within the next two weeks, aligning with escalating tension in Oxford.
Kiffin’s Staff Considerations
If Kiffin takes the reins at LSU, a crucial initial task will be assembling his coaching staff. Given that Ole Miss is in the College Football Playoff, Kiffin faces a unique scenario. The playoff rounds span from December 19 to January 19, which complicates the timeline for potential staff transitions.
- First Round: December 19-20
- Quarterfinals: December 3 – January 1
- Semifinals: January 8-9
- National Championship: January 19
While there are strong ties Kiffin has with his current staff, some may find their way to Baton Rouge sooner due to the urgency of recruiting.
Potential Ole Miss Staff Joining Kiffin at LSU
- Chris Kiffin: Lane’s brother and Ole Miss linebackers coach, previously served as defensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic.
- Charlie Weis Jr.: The highest-paid offensive coordinator in the SEC, has collaborated effectively with Kiffin since 2022.
- Kevin Smith: Running backs coach since 2017, instrumental in Ole Miss’s recruiting efforts.
Current LSU Coaches Likely to Stay
- Frank Wilson: Formerly hired by Kiffin, well-respected at LSU, and has maintained strong recruiting relations.
- Corey Raymond: An established figure in LSU’s coaching landscape, known for developing top talent in his position group.
Wild Card Candidates
- Blake Baker: A well-liked figure at LSU, known for successfully enhancing the defensive unit.
- Pete Golding: The current Ole Miss defensive coach with significant ties to the SEC, originally from Hammond.
- Randall Joyner: Known for his elite recruiting capabilities as the Ole Miss defensive line coach under Kiffin.
The connection between Kiffin and these coaches facilitates smooth transitions, emphasizing the importance of relationships within college football coaching. While the future remains uncertain, the dynamic landscape promises interesting developments for both LSU and Ole Miss in the coming weeks.
