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LSU is putting together a monster contract to try and land Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, according to a source close to the negotiations who spoke with CBS Sports.
The Tigers are preparing a seven-year deal worth up to $98 million — but that’s just the beginning. The package also includes major promises about revenue sharing and NIL support. Kiffin hasn’t received a formal offer yet and won’t make his decision until after the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State next Friday, according to Ole Miss AD Keith Carter.
At $14 million per year, Kiffin would become college football’s highest-paid coach, surpassing Georgia’s Kirby Smart ($13.3 million). This comes after LSU fired Brian Kelly during the fourth year of his 10-year, $95 million contract.
Louisiana state laws make these massive coaching contracts tricky. The base salary will likely cap around $3 million with the rest coming through “easy-to-achieve” incentives and outside sources. These bonuses could actually push the total value beyond $98 million.
Kiffin currently makes $9 million at Ole Miss — tied for just sixth-highest in the SEC.
He’s the hottest name on the coaching market right now. While both Florida and LSU are pursuing him aggressively, the Tigers appear to have momentum according to CBS Sports’ John Talty and Matt Zenitz. Yahoo! Sports reports LSU is promising over $25 million in NIL and revenue sharing investments.
The Rebels’ Historic Run
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Kiffin has the No. 6 Rebels (10-1) on the verge of their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance with just one regular season game remaining. He’s delivered three consecutive 10-win seasons — something never before accomplished at Ole Miss.
Carter and Kiffin met Friday to discuss his future. Ole Miss started contract talks earlier this month, hoping to make him one of college football’s highest-paid coaches if he stays. Sources described those early negotiations as “positive,” though nothing has been finalized.
When reporters asked about his future Wednesday, Kiffin dodged the question.
“I’m saying the same thing for six years,” he said during an SEC teleconference. “I’m not talking about speaking on other jobs. I’m focused on this one.”
This came just days after a plane carrying family members — including his ex-wife Layla Kiffin — visited both Gainesville and Baton Rouge on back-to-back days.
The Egg Bowl looms large.
Carter addressed the situation Friday: “Despite the outside noise, Coach Kiffin is focused on preparing our team for the Egg Bowl, and together, we want to ensure that our players and coaches can concentrate fully on next Friday’s game. The team is on the cusp of an unprecedented season, and it’s imperative they feel the support of the Ole Miss family in the week ahead.”
Kiffin has transformed the Ole Miss program during his tenure, compiling a 54-19 record with four 10-win seasons in nearly six years.
