By Matthew CoudenShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAfter weeks of speculation, it appears the Lane Kiffin drama in college football has concluded. Sources indicated on Sunday that the current Ole Miss Rebels coach had accepted the LSU Tigers head coaching job. The shocking news comes as projections suggest Mississippi is in the College Football Playoff bracket.
According to ESPN, Kiffin had not signed a deal with LSU on late Saturday, but a source indicated it “would be a shock” if he did not. The contract to coach the Tigers is expected to pay Kiffin $12 million a season for seven seasons.
Kiffin will reportedly announce his decision at 10 a.m. on Sunday, after meeting with his players, per ESPN's report.
Read more: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Sends Clear Message to CFP Committee
In addition to LSU, rumors persisted that the Florida Gators, who fired coach Billy Napier this season, were in the mix to poach Kiffin from Ole Miss. However, Kiffin seemingly chose the best fit for his style of coaching.
...That said, it brings an interesting wrinkle to Ole Miss's head coaching situation, with their regular season ending and the College Football Playoffs beginning soon.
Kiffin's leaving the Rebels certainly shakes things up. Ole Miss went 11-1 in their regular season, with Kiffin helping to transform the team into a CFP representative and contender. After a win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, current projections have Ole Miss as at least a No. 7 overall team for the CFP bracket.
However, it's believed that Kiffin will not be allowed to coach the Rebels once his decision to become the new LSU head coach is official. He had a lengthy meeting with Rebels athletics director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce at the chancellor's home in Oxford last evening, regarding his decision.
Ole Miss will likely host a CFP game at their home stadium on Dec. 19 or 20, but fans shouldn't expect to see Kiffin anywhere near the sidelines, as the Rebels don't want their games to be an ad for Kiffin going to LSU. ESPN's report suggests that the Rebels don't want Kiffin around their players as the Jan. 2 transfer portal opens.
Read more: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Fires Back at Critics After South Carolina Win
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