Lane Kiffin is set to take over on the LSU sideline in 2026, and the expectation is he will bring the same leadership he showed during his run at Ole Miss. He will face a major challenge in rejuvenating the LSU team, which opened the 2025 season with playoff aspirations and a 4-0 start.
However, after a narrow 24-19 loss to Ole Miss in September, momentum around the Tigers’ program began to unravel. It ultimately set off a chain of events that eventually led to Kiffin’s arrival in Baton Rouge.
Frank Wilson Reflects on LSU Journey in Final Note to Lane Kiffin
Frank Wilson wrapped up his journey with LSU after serving as the Tigers’ associate head coach and running backs coach, while also stepping in as interim head coach for Saturday’s bowl game. LSU fell to Houston 38-35, which brought Wilson’s time in Baton Rouge to a close. He has already accepted a new role at Ole Miss, joining Pete Golding’s staff as the Rebels’ running backs coach.
Before departing for Oxford, Wilson shared his thoughts on what LSU is getting in Kiffin.
“One of the most sought-after football coaches in all of sport, an outstanding play caller, an outstanding leader with his football teams and his resume speaks for itself,” Wilson said ahead of the Houston game. “Again, I think he’ll do an outstanding job here.”
Wilson previously worked under Kiffin as a wide receivers coach at Tennessee in 2009. After LSU’s coaching transition, Wilson was among several assistants from the Brian Kelly era who discussed potentially staying on under Kiffin. Those talks ultimately didn’t turn successful, as Kiffin opted to bring longtime running backs coach Kevin Smith with him from Ole Miss.
However, Wilson made it clear there was no animosity.
“Coach Kiffin was absolutely awesome the entire time and wanted to try to find a way to work it out,” Wilson said. “We didn’t come to that resolution. And so there were other opportunities out there. We just couldn’t come to a conclusion. But all those things were on the table. We had options on the table. Coach (Kiffin) was awesome. I have no qualms with Coach Kiffin. He’s assembled a great staff. He’ll be fantastic.”
This departure ends Wilson’s second stint at LSU. He previously coached the Tigers’ running backs from 2010 to 2015 before returning in 2021 as associate head coach and RB coach following Kelly’s hiring.
Good thing for Wilson is that he has had a relationship with Golding that dates back decades, and so he views the opportunity as a chance to excel in the SEC. The Rebels are enjoying a 12-1 season and boast an 85.2 rating in the PFSN College Football Offense Metrics. They will face Kirby Smart’s No. 3-seeded Georgia on New Year’s Day in the Sugar Bowl during the second round of the College Football Playoff.
