LSU’s Contingency Plan Revealed if Tigers Don’t Get Lane Kiffin
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One of the most significant job openings in college football this upcoming offseason is with the LSU Tigers. The Tigers have fired Brian Kelly after he started the season with a record of 5-3 in his fourth year as head coach. The team has a 7-4 record with one regular-season game remaining.
All eyes appear to be on Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin as a potential candidate to take over in Baton Rouge. Kiffin has had an impressive run, posting a 54-19 record in his six seasons in Oxford.
He has led the Rebels to four seasons with double-digit wins, including three consecutive seasons in the last five years. Currently, he has Ole Miss at 10-1, ranked No. 6, and in a strong position to make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. According to Athlon Sports’ Steve Lassan, Kiffin is the top choice for the job.
“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 ability to produce prolific offenses, as well as adapt to the modern era of college football with roster management from the transfer portal and NIL, would immediately transform LSU back into a national title contender.”
What if Kiffin doesn’t become the next head coach? According to Lassan, one potential candidate to consider is Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz. He has done an impressive job turning the Tigers’ program around since he took over. When he began before the 2020 season, Missouri hadn’t achieved double-digit wins since 2014. Under his leadership, the Tigers have recorded back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2023 and 2024. They are 6-4 this season.
Drinkwitz is scheduled to receive a total compensation of $9 million for the 2025 season, ranking him 11th among all FBS coaches and 6th among SEC coaches. If Drinkwitz leaves Missouri for another job before Dec. 1, 2025, he will need to pay a $5 million buyout. This buyout amount will decrease three times over the duration of his contract.
- Before Dec. 1, 2025: $5 million
- Dec. 2, 2025 – Dec. 1, 2027: $4 million
- Dec. 2, 2027 – Dec. 1, 2028: $3 million
- Dec. 2, 2028 – Dec. 1, 2029: $1 million
As LSU evaluates its path forward, much depends on Kiffin’s decision, the defining domino in this year’s carousel. If the Tigers are forced to look elsewhere, Drinkwitz’s track record, stability, and SEC familiarity could thrust him firmly into the spotlight as LSU prepares to chart its next era.
Related: $54 Million College Football Coach Predicted to Become LSU’s Next Head Coach
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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