Ole Miss Negotiating to Retain Lane Kiffin

Lane Kiffin is widely regarded as the top candidate for the open Florida and LSU head-coaching jobs as outlets link him amid Ole Miss’s 7-1, No. 7 season. Ole Miss AD Keith Carter has signaled he will do “whatever it takes,” conducting proactive contract talks with Kiffin’s agent Jimmy Sexton and preparing another extension that could push Kiffin’s deal into the next decade, though no firm timetable has been announced. Kiffin has downplayed money as a motivator and told players he expects such rumors when a program wins. LSU’s recent firing of Brian Kelly and strong recruiting in Florida have made Baton Rouge an especially attractive landing spot, and some pundits consider LSU the likeliest destination if Kiffin leaves; analysts say Florida could pivot to candidates like Eli Drinkwitz, Kenny Lashlee or Jeff Brohm if needed. Ole Miss is preparing succession plans and retains internal confidence in potential replacements, but the Rebels’ College Football Playoff chase and Kiffin’s roster control complicate projections about where he might coach in 2026.