Brad Gilbert, Coco Gauff’s former coach, recently shared his perspective on one of college football’s most significant coaching moves of the offseason: Lane Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss to LSU. His commentary highlights a recurring theme in college athletics.
When coaches pursue bigger opportunities, their proven track records don’t always translate to new environments, regardless of the financial advantages that await them.
How Did Brad Gilbert React to Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Exit?
Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss came at a remarkable moment. After leading the Rebels to a dominant 38-19 victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Friday, Kiffin had accomplished something historic: securing Ole Miss’s first 11-win regular season in program history and nearly guaranteeing the team a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Yet just two days later, Kiffin officially accepted the head coaching position at LSU. Reports claim that LSU extended a long-term offer worth approximately $90 million to lure the coach away from Ole Miss, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Gilbert captured the frustration many felt about the situation, writing, “goodđź‘Ťfor @OleMissFB to not let the coach continue in the playoffs, he is at LSU where the grass is not always greener, and you had a greatđź‘Ťthing going.”
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Kiffin had spent six seasons building Ole Miss into a national contender, compiling a 55-19 record with his best work coming in recent years. The 2024-25 team represented the culmination of his efforts and a program milestone that had eluded Ole Miss for over a century of football.
Why Did Gilbert Compare Kiffin’s Move with Brian Kelly’s 2021 Transfer?
Gilbert’s point extends beyond this specific situation. One fan replied to the respected coach’s tweet, stating that college football is more about money nowadays. They also claimed that Kiffin now has a better chance at winning with LSU.
In response, Gilbert drew a direct parallel to Brian Kelly’s experience. “Didn’t exactly go as planned for Kelly who left Notre Dame, assuming will be similar for Kiffin with huge expectations now,” Gilbert wrote.
Kelly left Notre Dame in 2021 after compiling a 92-39 record during his 12-year tenure and establishing himself as the most successful coach in program history. At Notre Dame, Kelly had orchestrated multiple College Football Playoff appearances and sustained excellence that made him one of college football’s premier coaches.
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Yet Kelly’s move to LSU with massive expectations did not produce similar results. His LSU record stood at 34-14 over his tenure, but he struggled significantly against ranked opponents, posting just a 5-10 record against top-25 teams. Despite beginning the job with strong early performance and inheriting substantial resources, Kelly ultimately fell short of expectations and was dismissed without cause in October 2025.
Gilbert, who boasts a rich resume after coaching legends such as Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Coco Gauff, among others, is vocal about college sports and the NCAA.
The American tennis coach’s comparison highlights a crucial reality in modern college football. Kiffin now faces a scenario remarkably similar to Kelly’s situation: arriving at a program with elevated expectations, superior financial resources, and pressure to deliver immediate results.