LSU Finalizing $90 Million Contract for Lane Kiffin

By Michael Gallagher

Contributing Sports Writer

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In the span of days, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin went from being the favorite to take over the Florida Gators to now likely on the cusp of becoming the next HC of the LSU Tigers.

According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, LSU is finalizing a major seven-year, $90 million contract offer for Kiffin, which would tie him with Georgia’s Kirby Smart as the highest-paid head coach in the country.

The deal also reportedly includes a $25 million NIL roster investment for Kiffin to help build a national championship contender in Baton Rouge. The move was reportedly signed off on by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who had criticized previous athletic director Scott Woodward for signing Brian Kelly to a 10-year, $95 million contract.

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Dellenger made it clear the massive contract proposal is LSU’s best attempt to lure Kiffin away from Ole Miss and keep him from even considering hearing what Florida has to offer.

“While there is brewing confidence in Baton Rouge that the latest push will lure the coach into a commitment, Florida administrators and top donors have felt similarly in a chase of the coach that dates back weeks,” Dellenger stated.

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The massive NIL investment is arguably the more intriguing part of LSU’s offer as Kiffin stated in an interview with Yahoo Sports less than two weeks ago that “above-the-cap” NIL spending is among one of the top factors that determine whether coaches ultimately leave for better jobs.

Dellenger estimates that Ole Miss spent roughly $20 million on its roster this season, which paid off in spades as the Rebels are currently ranked No. 6 in the nation and are likely heading for a College Football Playoff appearance.

Though LSU is prepared to throw heaps of cash at Kiffin, a final decision on his coaching future isn’t expected until after Ole Miss’ regular-season finale against Mississippi State on Nov. 28.

After the Egg Bowl, Kiffin is expected to make his decision on where he wants to coach next season.

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