Lane Kiffin has rebuilt his image at Ole Miss, transforming from a coach known for volatility into one of the sharpest offensive minds in college football. But according to Josh Pate on Josh Pate’s College Football Show, that rehabilitation may be facing a new test.
Pate explained that Kiffin is now using the momentum from Ole Miss’ success to his advantage, knowing that he is one of the most sought-after coaches in the country. The Rebels have given him everything he has asked for, money, staff support, facilities, and full administrative backing.
They are also willing to do even more to secure his long-term future. Despite that, Kiffin has added fuel to the speculation with vague, cryptic online messages that hint at the possibility, uncertainty, and intrigue.
Pate argued that these antics are not accidental. They build mystique and keep fans, media, and rival programs guessing. The problem, he said, is that while outsiders find it entertaining, this behavior could frustrate the Ole Miss administration.
“I watch it from a distance and he’s putting out the Instagram stories, he’s putting out these vague statements here and there, I think it’s funny,” Pate said. “If I were Ole Miss, it would piss me off to no end. Because it’s like watching a 10 year old playing games about which fourth grade class he’s gonna be in.”
Pate said that a program that helped him with “image rehab” has stood by Kiffin, and rewarded his success, might not appreciate repeatedly being kept in suspense. Pate suggested that this tension, even if subtle, could strain the relationship between coach and school.
Lane Kiffin Has Plenty of Options On the Table
Part of the tension comes from the simple truth that Kiffin has no shortage of paths available. Several major college programs are monitoring his situation. Florida has been linked to him repeatedly as the Gators search for a big personality and offensive identity.
LSU is another option, with insiders noting that the Tigers could make a strong push. Both SEC programs have deeper recruiting bases and massive budgets, which naturally make them appealing.
Beyond college football, Kiffin’s name has surfaced in NFL circles once again. His offensive creativity, adaptability, and experience with pro personnel make him an attractive candidate for teams seeking a restart.
Kiffin is fully aware of these possibilities. His success at Ole Miss has put him in a rare position, one where several high-level programs could justify pursuing him aggressively. Whether he stays or goes may depend on how long he wants to hold the leverage.
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