Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin led his No. 7 Rebels to a routine 38-19 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an ill-tempered Egg Bowl in Week 14 of college football action. The win improved the Rebels to 11-1, and according to PFSN’s College Football Playoff Meter, Kiffin’s team is all but assured of a place in the College Football Playoff (100%).
Lane Kiffin Gets Emotional About Mentors Helping Him Make Job Decision
Kiffin has led the Rebels to their first 11-win season in program history and a place in the College Football Playoff. Yet, the focus immediately shifted to his future at Ole Miss, with the college football world waiting for his decision with bated breath.
Yahoo Sports reporter Ross Dellenger revealed on X that Kiffin became emotional during his postgame news conference while discussing the mentors he was leaning on for guidance in deciding his future.
“Lane Kiffin says he wishes his dad, Monte, was around to help him through this decision and gets emotional when speaking about it. He mentions Nick Saban and Pete Carroll as people he seeks advice from,” Dellenger tweeted.
Lane Kiffin says he wishes his dad, Monte, was around to help him through this decision and gets emotional when speaking about it. He mentions Nick Saban and Pete Carroll as people he seeks advice from.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 28, 2025
The Ole Miss coach’s father, Monte Kiffin, who died on Jul. 11, 2024, was his close confidant.
Lane Kiffin also worked as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll for the USC Trojans from 2001 to 2006 and under Nick Saban for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2014 to 2016.
Kiffin Praying Over Decision About His Future
During a sideline interview after the game, Kiffin revealed that he had not yet decided where his future lay ahead of the Nov. 29 deadline set by Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter last week.
“No, I haven’t (decided),” Kiffin said, “I’ve got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow. Right now, I’m going to enjoy these players. I told them last night, ‘You’re gonna win your 11th game, and all I want to do is experience joy watching you,’ and that’s what I’m about to do.”
“No I haven’t. I got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow.”
Lane Kiffin on if he’s made up his mind on what he’s doing next season 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5iDAV5gAVV
— ESPN (@espn) November 28, 2025
Just before the game against Mississippi State, ESPN’s Pete Thamel revealed on X that the Florida Gators, who have been linked to Kiffin since sacking Billy Napier last month, have moved on to other targets after experiencing irregular communication from the Ole Miss coach.
The report further indicated that Kiffin’s options were down to a move to Baton Rouge to join the LSU Tigers after his family’s visit last week or staying in Oxford with the Rebels as they continue their historic College Football Playoff run.
