$54 Million College Football Coach Predicted to Become LSU’s Next Head Coach
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One of the most significant job openings in college football is with the LSU Tigers. The Tigers decided to fire head coach Brian Kelly during his fourth season after he was unable to lead the team to an SEC championship or a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The question now: Who will replace Kelly in Baton Rouge? Several coaches have been mentioned for the position, but one of the most notable is Lane Kiffin, the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels. Kiffin has had an impressive six seasons in Oxford, with a record of 54-19. This year, Ole Miss is positioned to make its first College Football Playoff appearance, ranked No. 6 in the CFP standings with a 10-1 record.
Kiffin’s name has primarily been associated with the Florida Gators position, but Athlon Sports’ Steve Lassan believes he will instead be the next head coach of the Tigers.
“Florida, LSU, or stay at Ole Miss?” Lassan wrote. “Kiffin’s upcoming decision looms as the biggest domino in the coaching carousel. There’s no guarantee Kiffin will leave Oxford, but both Florida and LSU likely have the 50-year-old coach as the No. 1 target in their searches.
Kiffin’s contract with Ole Miss runs through Dec. 31, 2031. According to USA Today, his annual salary is $9 million, totaling $54 million over the duration of the contract after this season. He also has the potential to earn up to $2.6 million in bonuses during the 2025 season. If he chooses to leave Ole Miss, he would be required to pay the university $4 million before the end of this season and $3 million if he leaves thereafter.
As LSU begins its push to land a marquee leader and the carousel accelerates, all eyes turn to Kiffin. His choice to stay, move or reset could set off a chain reaction across the SEC and determine the direction of multiple programs for years to come.
Kiffin and Ole Miss are off this week before they take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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