Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin was expected to announce a major decision regarding his career in college football. The 50-year-old coach had the option to leave his position as the school’s head football coach for Louisiana State University, and fans were dying for an answer as days became hours, and hours became minutes until his announcement.
About one week before the projected decision day, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said on November 21 that he and Kiffin “have had many pointed and positive conversations regarding his future at Ole Miss, including meeting today with Chancellor [Glenn] Boyce.”
“While we discuss next steps, we know we cannot lose sight of what is most important − our sixth-ranked team that is poised to finish the season in historic fashion,” Carter said.
Below, find out what Kiffin’s decision was.
“Coach, you want to win a National Championship? Then look in the mirror because it’s right in front of you right now at Ole Miss.” @joelklatt addresses Lane Kiffin’s Head Coaching decision ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hcQNgNgb0e
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) November 29, 2025
When Did Lane Kiffin Announce His Decision?
Kiffin was expected to announce his decision following the game between Ole Miss and Auburn on November 29, multiple outlets reported. One day prior, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay tweeted that Kiffin’s choice was “apparently made” on November 28.
“Kiffin’s decision is apparently made, I was just told,” McShay wrote. “Tomorrow’s gonna be a wild day…”
Kiffin’s decision is apparently made, I was just told. Tomorrow’s gonna be a wild day..
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) November 29, 2025
Ole Miss’ Carter said that “despite the noise,” an announcement “on Coach Kiffin’s future [was] expected the Saturday following the game.”
“[Kiffin] 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,” Carter said. “This 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.”
However, Kiffin didn’t make his announcement until Sunday, November 30.
Is Lane Kiffin Leaving Ole Miss?
Yes, Kiffin decided to leave Ole Miss for LSU. He posted a statement to his X account on November 30, which read, “I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU. … While I am looking forward to a new start with a unique opportunity at LSU, I will forever cherish the incredible six years I spent at Ole Miss and will be rooting hard for the team to complete their mission and bring a championship to Oxford.”
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) November 30, 2025
In the days leading up to the big moment, ESPN’s Marty Smith reported from the Ole Miss football facility that Carter “told us on the field prior to the Egg Bowl [that] he expects Kiffin to stay.”
Meanwhile, journalist Scott Hughes tweeted on November 29 that Kiffin “will remain at Ole Miss,” citing sources close to the situation.
Lane Kiffin will remain at Ole Miss, per source.
— Scott Hughes (@ScottHughesCBB) November 30, 2025
Who Will Replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss if He Leaves?
Ole Miss quarterback coach Joe Judge will likely serve as the interim head coach for the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN.
