Lane Kiffin is still viewed as one of the leading candidates for LSU’s open head coaching job. Since LSU fired Brian Kelly on Oct. 26, Kiffin has been at the center of speculation surrounding the Tigers’ search.
Some have even predicted that Kiffin will ultimately choose LSU. However, others, like former LSU star Breiden Fehoko, think that the Ole Miss coach is just toying with the Tigers to boost his value in Oxford.
Jeff Landry Clarifies His Role in LSU’s Pursuit of Lane Kiffin
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has been heavily involved in the firing of head coach Brian Kelly and the exit of Athletic Director Scott Woodward. His influence has grown due to the absence of a permanent university president and the governor’s authority to appoint members to the LSU Board of Supervisors.
Meanwhile, Peter Hamby of “Good Luck America” reported that Landry told attendees at a Baton Rouge political fundraiser that he had spoken with Lane Kiffin “for two hours” about the LSU job. However, ESPN Baton Rouge’s Matt Moscona later shared an update, mentioning he reached Landry on Wednesday to clarify Hamby’s take, and the Governor said,
“No, I didn’t speak to him. That’s not true.”
No. I reached Gov. Landry this morning to clarify.
He told me, “No, I didn’t speak to him. That’s not true.” https://t.co/jQFWU2K1X5
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) November 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Chris Vannini of The Athletic reported that Kiffin was asked on the SEC teleconference if he spoke to Louisiana Landry, and he replied: “I wouldn’t comment on that either way.”
The rumours around Kiffin’s potential move to LSU continue to intensify after reports surfaced that his family members flew to Baton Rouge on Monday on a private jet arranged by LSU officials. Moscona said the group included Kiffin’s ex-wife, Layla, Chris Kiffin’s wife, Angela, and two of their children, and that they spent roughly six hours touring the city.
“Vibes right now are high if LSU lands Lane Kiffin,” Moscona said. “I think that has injected a lot of life into this fan base about the possibility of that happening. I don’t think you put your family on interest. I think that interest is very real and sincere on both sides.”
Georgia’s Kirby Smart currently leads the nation with a $13.28 million salary, but according to Moscona, Ole Miss has reportedly offered Kiffin $13.5 million to stay, while LSU would be prepared to go to $15-16 million annually if needed to secure Kiffin.
However, these discussions are certainly disappointing for Ole Miss fans, as the Rebels are having a historic season with a 10-1 record and are on the verge of making the playoffs. As per PFSN’s College Football tOLi, the Rebels are ranked 15th for the season.
