Lane Kiffin’s LSU Contract: $13M Annually, Ole Miss CFP Bonus
Lane Kiffin has signed a lucrative contract with LSU, leading to discussions regarding his financial terms and potential bonuses. This contract is worth $13 million annually and spans seven years, reaching until 2032. Kiffin’s pay surpasses that of former LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who earned $10.1 million per year.
Details of Lane Kiffin’s LSU Contract
The financial specifics of Kiffin’s new contract include significant guaranteed buyout clauses. If Kiffin is terminated without cause, the buyout will account for 80% of his remaining salary. Currently, this means that if he were to be dismissed after the 2026 season, the buyout would start at $62.4 million. In comparison, Kelly’s buyout stood at $54 million and included an obligation to seek mitigation through other job opportunities.
College Football Playoff Bonuses
In an unprecedented move, Kiffin’s contract includes a clause that allows him to receive bonuses related to Ole Miss’s success in the College Football Playoff. This includes a potential payout of:
- $150,000 for a playoff appearance
- Up to $1 million for winning the national championship
This unique provision indicates that if Ole Miss performs well in the playoffs under new coach Pete Golding, Kiffin will benefit financially.
Contract Validity and Buyout Terms
LSU officials reported that Kiffin’s buyout for leaving to take another position starts at $7 million until December 31, 2026. Following this period, the buyout will decrease yearly by at least $1 million.
Additionally, Kiffin could become the highest-paid coach in college football if he leads LSU to a national title. This particular clause in his contract reflects the competitive nature of top college football coaching positions.
The contract represents a strategic commitment on LSU’s part, following criticism from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry regarding high-profile coaching contracts. Kiffin’s deal is established under terms that set a new standard for LSU and align with the expectations surrounding top-tier coaching hires. The developments surrounding this contract will likely reshape LSU’s coaching landscape significantly.
