Is LSU's Lane Kiffin going to Sugar Bowl to see Ole Miss play Georgia?
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NEW ORLEANS — LSU football coach Lane Kiffin may attend his former team’s College Football Playoff game when Ole Miss plays Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Ole Miss (12-1) is facing Georgia (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 (7 p.m., ESPN). It’s one of four quarterfinal games in the College Football Playoff, and the first CFP run in Ole Miss history.
Kiffin was Ole Miss’ coach for six seasons, leading Ole Miss to an 11-1 record this year before taking the LSU job after the Egg Bowl. Kiffin could be in attendance at the Caesars Superdome for the game, per Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger on Dec. 30.
The report also said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry could be in attendance, and that security plans are being made for their arrival.
Kiffin’s presence could rile up Ole Miss fans who were unhappy about his in-season departure to the rival Tigers. Kiffin was booed at the airport in Oxford on Nov. 30 when he took the job.
There are also transfer portal implications to consider. The Rebels have some players who would be top targets for elite teams should they enter the portal, which opens Jan. 2. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy are possibilities.
Chambliss, who was No. 8 in Heisman Trophy voting, said Dec. 30 that he has not talked with Kiffin since the departure.
Pete Golding was promoted from defensive coordinator after Kiffin left and led Ole Miss to a first-round win vs Tulane in his head coaching debut.
What Lane Kiffin said about Ole Miss vs Georgia
On Dec. 27, Kiffin made an appearance in the ESPN broadcast booth for the Kinder’s Texas Bowl between LSU and Houston and answered questions from broadcasters Tom Hart and Cole Cubelic.
“To watch those guys and how much they were smiling and be able to have that success and the biggest game in the history of the state of Mississippi and to blow out Tulane like that, it was awesome watching them,” Kiffin said of the Rebels’ first-round win vs Tulane.
Kiffin also spoke about the realities of having several of his LSU assistants sticking around in Oxford to continue coaching the Rebels during their CFP run.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is among the group of coaches who are working to finish out the Ole Miss season while also helping LSU prepare for the 2026 season.
“Sometimes we have our staff meetings even though they’re back there. When Pete’s done with his and then we get on and have our own,” Kiffin said. “So, we’re just trying to make it work for both sides so Ole Miss can have the best chance to win a national championship and then we can also be building what we are here.”
Kiffin was also asked about Ole Miss star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss‘ development, but declined to answer, saying, “Since we have coaches back there and everything, they might say it’s a violation if I actually talk about Trinidad and how good he is.”
Kiffin wrapped his interview giving his outlook on the Rebels’ matchup with the Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl.
“Powerhouse game . . . I think you have the best offense in the country with now maybe what’s the best defense lately, not really early in the year, but lately Georgia’s been playing, so I think that’s a big part of it,” Kiffin said.
Contributing: Tia Reid
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Will Lane Kiffin see Ole Miss play Georgia in Sugar Bowl in person?
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