Ole Miss Lane Kiffin heads to LSU, but can he win a championship with the Tigers?
Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin is moving to a new SEC school. Paul Meyerberg says LSU can win, but will they win?
Marty Smith may be residing in Oxford, Mississippi after covering the Lane Kiffin story.
ESPN reporters, who spent most of Saturday and Sunday at the Ole Miss football facility, had a three-minute interview with Kiffin before the former Rebels coach boarded a private jet bound for Baton Rouge to move on to his next chapter as LSU football coach.
Kiffin reiterated his desire to coach Ole Miss in the upcoming College Football Playoff, but Mississippi State athletic director Keith Carter objected and promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to succeed Kiffin as head coach.
“It’s been really hard. This is a really special place. I’ve been here six years,” Kiffin told Smith. “I know there are a lot of feelings and emotions going on right now. When they settle down, I hope there will be recognition for what we’ve been able to do here and for the best results in the school’s history. It’s been an exciting time. I’m so grateful for the people of Oxford and the relationships I’ve built here… I’ve just prayed a lot. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to make decisions as a family and hopefully impact a whole new set of people.”
Lane Kiffin says CFP decision went to Ole’s Miss AD Keith Carter: ‘I have to live here’
Mr. Kiffin told Mr. Smith that at Mr. Carter’s request, he did not attend Sunday’s meeting with Mr. Carter and the chancellor.
“I completely respect Keith’s decision…he asked me not to come to the meeting, and I completely understand that,” Kiffin said. “I don’t know if I necessarily agree, but we’re trying to figure out how to make this work and coach the team and give the team the best chance to win…He’s got a job to do, and like he said, he’s got to live here. So the whole country may understand why he should have me coach, but he has to live here. It’s a little different with AD, so I want you to fully respect that. And Keith has been great for us for six years.”
Lane Kiffin said mentors pushed him to LSU
“My heart was here (in Oxford), but some of my mentors, Coach (Pete) Carroll, Coach (Nick) Saban, especially Coach Carroll, when he said, ‘Dad’s going to tell you to go. Take your shots, take your shots. You’ve accomplished a lot here.’ I always hated the way he gave Tennessee a year and left. I really hated that feeling. It was exciting, but I feel proud of that part because I think we gave a lot to this program and this city and some of the most historic wins ever in this stadium and the best regular season in school history. But it was time to talk to God and He told me it was time to take a new step. It’s a new chapter. ”
You can read the full interview here:
