Report: Alabama OC Lane Kiffin down to two options
One way or another, Lane Kiffin will not be at Alabama in 2017, according to a recent report.
According to Outkick The Coverage’s Mattie-Lou Chandler, even if he is declined the vacant head coaching job at Houston, Kiffin is leaving Tuscaloosa.
Confirmed from program sources: If Lane Kiffin does not get Houston HC job, he will be the offensive coordinator at LSU next season.
— Mattie-Lou Chandler (@MattieLouOKTC) December 2, 2016
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On Thursday, LSU insider Mike Detillier reported that Saturday’s SEC title game would be Kiffin’s final appearance as a Crimson Tide coach.
Detillier is reportedly a friend of new Tigers coach Ed Orgeron, who has been known to covet Kiffin for his offensive prowess and play-calling abilities. Orgeron and Kiffin are close friends and have worked together at multiple spots including USC and Tennessee.
Is the Saban-Kiffin experiment coming to an end?
Confirmed from program sources? Ok then. I hope Miles gets the UH job then.
He would be the best option for them. His next job will probably be his last stop coaching and he already knows the recruiting grounds around the area.
Yeah, Kiffin would only use that job as a stepping stone. Not to say that he wouldn’t do that same as OC of LSU either. Houston needs to find a guy that can recruit and stay with the program a while, which Miles would do. He might even get them back to sniffing the Power 5 again.
Everybody uses Houston for the next job.
Poor Coogs😢
It’s hilarious how beloved Kiffin is now after all the ridicule we got for hiring him. It didn’t take long for Bama to make Kiffin look great!
Kiffin was a great OC long before Bama hired him. In fact, that’s why Bama hired him.
Oh wow, you just airbrushed right over all of his HC jobs and the dismal endings to them, didn’t you? Again, Saban was ridiculed for hiring Kiffin. If you don’t remember that, then you must be new to the game.
Maybe it was your own fan base (or USC, or Tenn) that was ridiculing this hire… everyone I know was saying this was a great hire when it happened.
I like how you had to lump in three major fan bases to cover the many people who thought it was a bad move. Don’t try to re-write history. Hiring Kiffin was hugely controversial at the time. Saban has addressed this before at press conferences, mocking the media that wrote about it being a bad decision. The whole context of the hire was to rehab Kiffin’s image which meant he had a bad reputation.
You weren’t listening outside of everyone you know then. Not everyone thought this was such a great hire. Kiffin did not exactly have a lot of opportunities knocking at his door at the time Saban hired him. Would he had gotten an opportunity had Saban not hired him? Sure but the chance he got at Alabama was huge for Kiffin and he’s made the most of it.
I listed three fan bases because I don’t know what you’re talking about. Tons of people said Kiffin was toxic at HC, but none of the _informed_ college football fans that I remember talking about this said anything about it being a bad decision. Let’s look at this the other way. Who was saying it was a ridiculous hire, like you claimed?
… and “re-write history?” You guys are always playing the told-you-so card. Next thing you know, you’ll be saying how everyone said that Saban was a failed coach from the NFL and that everyone laughed when you made that hire.
do the world a favor, and talk less please
And to thank all you alabama fans said he will never leave…
think damn it
Most Bama fans (or, at least the ones whose comments I’ve actually taken the time to read) have said that if Kiffin doesn’t take an HC
Okay, well I saw multiple comments talking about how Kiffin would an “idiot to leave Alabama (clearly the best job in the whole world) and go to the sh*thole and major rebuilding project that is LSU.”
Sorry, my computer freaked out and published that comment unfinished. If you wish to read the full comment, it is below.
They’re still saying that. Go look back at all the articles on LSU’s page… they’re furious to think that we’re “stealing him away” when in fact, it’s more about Alabama letting him go.
Most Bama fans (or, at least the ones whose comments I’ve actually taken the time to read) have said that if Kiffin doesn’t take an HC job, then he’ll stay at Alabama if we want him. I mean, money isn’t the issue. If LSU offers him as much money as they say they will and Alabama actually wants to keep Kiffin, Alabama will make an offer that exceeds LSU’s offer. However, if LSU does hire Kiffin as OC, it’s more than likely because we’re done with him. I personally don’t understand why we wouldn’t want to keep him at OC, but Alabama has yet to offer him a contract extension. It might be because Saban actually wants Kiffin to get a new HC job and doesn’t want wherever he goes to have to worry about some buyout. Maybe if he doesn’t get an HC job offer Saban will offer him an extension. Whatever it is, I don’t know for sure why we haven’t offered him a contract extension.
The buyout thing is a stretch. Bama could give Kiffin an extension without a buyout if both parties wanted that. They don’t. Either one or both parties have decided this relationship is ending.
I completely understand that it would be a bit of a stretch, but we might attach a buyout to make it harder for someone (i.e. LSU) to try to swoop in and hire him as an OC. Either way, if Kiffin doesn’t get an HC job and Alabama really wants to keep him as OC, then we would enter a bidding war with LSU, which I think Alabama would win. However, with the lack of even an extension offer yet, it might be that we think that Sarkisian would be just as good of an OC and we thus would not want to bother with entering a bidding war with LSU. The only thing I know is that if we wanted to keep Kiffin, we would match and exceed any offer LSU gives him. I personally think we should try to keep Kiffin if he doesn’t get an HC offer because he is an exceptional OC and I just don’t know enough about Sarkisian’s offensive prowess to say we should just be done with Kiffin and go with him. However, Saban knows more about the situation than I do, so I’d trust his judgement on that.
I have to think that Alabama and Kiffin all know he will not be returning next year. There has been no talk of an extension. Also, I do not think Alabama would win a bidding war. Alabama does take in more money, but they also spend a lot more.
kewebbjr, they can’t attach a buyout now when the contract is 2 months away from maturity.
If dama wants to get into a bidding war, that’s fine, go ahead, outbid LSU, then LSU might look at Sark on the cheap, if O wants him…
I have never heard a Bama fan say Kiff would never leave…most of us are glad he’s leaving but thank him for his service. Its the Process not the individual……
You don’t read many comments on this site then.
Are you aware of how many coordinators have left Bama since Saban’s arrival? We are well aware that everyone wants some of that Bama magic, including failing LSU. It’s all about Saban. Everyone else is just reaping the benefits of being a part of the machine. Sark is the next man up. He’ll be a HC in 2 to 3 years.
Sark has already been a HC, you dumb Bammer.
No kidding, so was Kiffin, idiot. The point is no one wanted Kiffin until after he was at Bama, and no one wants Sark until he gets a couple of NCs at Bama.
Why would “all you alabama fans” think he was never going to leave? Our OC has been a revolving door since Saban got there. All we do is pump out HCs because everyone wants a taste of that championship magic. Come get some!
Alatide, you really need to go read comments on other articles on this site. Seriously, that’s “all you Alabama fans” are saying on any article concerning Kiffin.
Dude, there’s like 15 people total that comment on these articles. You’re basing your opinion of an entire fan base on some SDS comments?
Nobody thought Kiffin would be at Bama forever. None of our coordinators are. This was always billed as a rehab assignment for Kiffin. The only semi-surprising thing is that he would take a lateral move instead of waiting for a HC opportunity. Going to LSU is a big risk for him because if Ed doesn’t pan out (and history has shown that’s highly possible) then he’s hitched his wagon to the wrong dude. If LSU continues to lose to Bama (highly possible for at least the next couple of years since we have a QB and LSU doesn’t) then how will that make Kiffin look? In other words, Kiffin is going to NC every year now with Bama which makes him look great, but if he can’t reach that same height with LSU then it makes him look a little less desirable going forward.
There are more than 15 people that comment on these articles, dude… but that’s besides the point. Just because I mentioned to check THIS site doesn’t mean that this is the only place I’m seeing similar comments – but because you’re ON this site right now, it’s an easy spot to check that you’re wrong.
Maybe you were astute enough to know that all assistant coaching positions at Bama are temporary, but don’t try to turn this around and act like the majority of your fan base is. By and far, they _have_ been acting as if he was never going to leave.
The rest of your comment is just a straw man argument for what you believe to be the relative merits of going to LSU over finding a HC position — nobody was discussing that.
SAban will be gone soon too
Yeah, too bad he couldn’t stick around to win a National Championship for us, oh wait…
Colonel Reb, you are mis-informed. Kiffin was not given the chance to stay at Alabama. He’s done a great job at Alabama but off the field Lane has been Lane so Saban is ready to go a different direction. He hired Sark for a reason.
Kiffin has done a great job in Tuscaloosa. He’s an offensive genius in my opinion. He’s done a great job developing Blake Sims, Jake Coker and Jalen Hurts. I hate to see him go but make no mistake about it, this is not Kiffin’s choice.
I hope Kiffin ends up at Houston.
I agree. I think everyone thought it was a risky hire bc of his off field issues. He has always been a great play caller. Of course, it also helps when you get the caliber of athletes, every year, that Saban brings in. When Sark came to Tuscaloosa, Kiffin knew he was done.
Kiffin is probably tired of abuse at Alabama where Saban is known for running off assistants. If he cannot get a head coaching gig then he would most likely go to LSU where he would be the highest paid coordinator, be able to run the offense without interference, and also continue his “rehabilitation” for a future head coaching job.
Abuse? Kinda like how Saban abuses LSU year after year?
Saban did the same thing to Bama when he was at LSU. Good thing for Bama that RichRod rejected you.
Taking a trip in the way back machine? Saban hasn’t been at LSU since 2004, and no one cares.
I seem to recall Alabama 31 LSU 0 in 2002, now that you mention it.
Bama beat Saban and LSU once. Miles and LSU beat Saban and Bama three times.
Saban’s been at Bama twice as long. Do you need a stats course?
You don’t really understand math, do you? It’s ok.
Roll Tide…f#ck LSU. 4 National Titles under Nick. Become relevant, minimize the ignorance, and then speak. Did I say “f#ck LSU already?
RichRod did not reject Alabama. Rich Rod’s wife did.
Angry children are funny. Immaturity at its finest.
Born in BR, you are a clueless idiot. Typical jaded Corndog.
I understand that Lane Kiffin is now on everyone’s radar as a O-coordinator and even as a head coach, however, I must be missing some vital information because I cannot see him leaving after the SEC championship game. After the season, of course I could but not after Saturday. I also do not see him being a lock for LSU because why would he go there as a OC when that isn’t exactly an upgraded position for him. He will have loads of talent coming back next year at the Tide (not that LSU doesn’t have a ton of talent too) but Kiffin is very familiar with the players now and he would run the risk of going to LSU and having to integrate his philosophy to an entirely new team. That isn’t the fastest process in most cases. If he were to go there and struggle he will have reached the pinnacle of his career, but if he stays with the Tide one more season he will greatly increase his chances of being offered a highly regarded job much like Kirby Smart did last year. If I am a LSU fan I am not sure if I would want him if he isnt planning on staying for at least 3-4 years because it will only set the program back further in terms of the players having to adjust to another OC after him and recruiting will be effected. I understand LSU may be aiming to land Kiffin in hopes of stealing a few recruits of Bama’s but make no mistake Alabama was fine before Kiffin and will be fine after him, but this distraction of him interviewing and he is going to LSU talk is absolutely being used to distract Alabama and to hurt recruiting. I don’t care if he stays or goes just make up your mind quickly Kiffin. ROLL…TIDE!
Well I do not think it is a distraction. Kiffin may just want more pay, more civilized living conditions, and less abuse.
Everyone knows saban is an a**hole, why wouldn’t he leave to coordinate pretty much the same offense and same talent! Not to mention kiffin and coach O are freinds!
God yes Saban is a &sshole but a$$holes win Championships. I really want our new DC to be one so the defense feeds off him.
And LSU can claim all they want they have the same talent as Bama, but they just honestly don’t. No one in the entire country has the same talent as Bama.
LSU does have great players. And I would give you they do probably have the second or third best talent in the Nation. But it’s still not comparable to Bama.
You are clearly a LSU homer if you think Baton Rouge has better living conditions than Tuscaloosa lol.
Lol a metro area of 220,000 vs one with 850,000 has less than Tuscaloosa? Not to mention New Orleans is 40 min drive with 1.6 million in its metro & tons to do plus better food in Baton Rouge & New Orleans…ummmm yea it’s better dude
Louisiana is a sh!thole, dude
Don’t throw stones in a glass house.
Statement still stands…
The entire state of Alabama could disappear, and the only thing anyone would care enough about to miss is saban’s football team.
I agree…
w/ the exception of one or two BBQ joints…
Roll Tide.
I can agree Alabama was fine before Kiffin, however, they became a dynasty when he showed up.
Just stop…. Bama won 3 NCs before kiffin got to Bama. Three NC in 4 years…… Kiffin is a good OC but put down your Crack pipe.
Insightful information…Roll Tide.
This same tired argument keeps getting repeated.
Kiffin wants to go to LSU because he thinks he can beat Nick. He wants to prove that he can be successful without Saban. No matter how good his offensive numbers are at Alabama everyone will wonder whether it was him or the Alabama effect.
He needs to have success out from under Nick’s shadow to truly rehabilitate his image and he won’t get another P5 head coaching job until that question has been answered.
This isn’t risky. It’s necessary unless he gets a non P5 gig and even then the question will remain.
as far as Kiffin goes, this is true… Kiffin needs LSU more than LSU needs Kiffin. LSU can win with another good OC, but can Kiffin win just anywhere? Who knows?? But if Kiffin comes to LSU and wins the SEC, never mind a natty, he is back in contention for a top job, and I don’t mean the cleaner type…
To address talent debate.. at risk of losing my Tiger fan credential, it is my opinion that people who like to make claims that LSU has just as good talent as dama, well honestly, those are the people who say things like “stars don’t matter”…
LSU does indeed have some players who are just as good as any AL has… SOME… But not near as many of them. As much as it pains me to admit, LSU is searching the backwoods now looking for a good LB and hoping moses flips back. meanwhile, AL has about half of the top ten either committed or waiting to announce.
And THAT is the difference. THAT is what people mean when they say “plug n play”…
very accurate post, PoFoke….geaux Tigers
Why the hell would Lane leave after Saturday? That just doesn’t make any sense.. he would definitely want to try to get another NC under his belt, with the offense he has been grooming all year… Think about Kirby Smart going to GA. He coached out the rest of the season and got another NC while doing it. So, I just can’t believe Lane would leave, or Saban would want him to..
If Saban knows he is going to LSU, he may want him gone. Would he really want LSU’s OC running his offense. Smart and Saban had a much better relationship than Saban and Kiffin.
I mean I see your point, but I still don’t agree with it. Kiffin would be coaching with %100 effort to win, bc that’s just his personality.K iffin would want to get the NC to boost his resume.
I do get the thing about Saban not wanting him to, but I don’t think that would be true. Saban would be fine with it, bc he knows Lane’s offense now. And he has a little something at Bama that Kiffin won’t have at LSU named Jalen Hurts.
It just doesn’t look like the Saban Kiffin relationship is very good. If it was my decision, I would surely keep Kiffin until the full season is over. But, it’s not my decision, so we will have to see how this plays out.
Dude, quit with all the speculation about their relationship. Kiffin has done nothing but praise Saban for reviving his career and has said he’s learned a ton on how to treat players and about demeanor from Saban. He also brought Sark in to make sure the cupboard wasn’t bare when he left. Doesn’t sound like a man who is bitter towards Saban.
Yet neither said has any interest in an extension. Kiffin even got a pay raise without an extension. Have you ever heard of that happening before? Ever? It’s over for Kiffin at Bama. Both sides are saying nice things pubically, but it doesn’t change anything. Kiffin is gone after this season.
No kidding, we all knew that when Sark suddenly appeared. I just think it’s laughable that fools like you try to tell people about their relationship like you have any clue. Go write a comic book if you want to fantasize about the relationship between men.
Your response is laughable. Why would Kiffin leave if the relationship was good. Some of you guys take this so personally. If you are equating common sense to a comic book, you may be beyond help.
Coaches leave jobs and move around all the time. Does that mean they always do so because of bad relationships? Hopefully you can answer that question on your own.
If someone changes jobs, they are doing so to improve their situation. They don’t just change for the heck of it. This isn’t rocket science.
Yes, but ‘situation’ doesn’t have to mean relationship with other coaches. That’s the assumption you’re making. It can mean alot of different thing, but for some reason you are hell bent on making this about Saban and Kiffin not getting along. Just a dumb assumption.
Dumb assumption? Ok, give me another reason for Kiffin leaving. His leaving was decided before any of these HC openings happened, so he was not leaving for a HC position. He may still get one, but that is not why he is leaving.
Kiffin and Saban do not have a positive relationship at this time….
It was more than obvious that this was Kiffen’s last year at Alabama. His contract was only extended thru Feb 2017, Sarkisian was signed as an offensive analyst, and the social media rumor mill is ripe with Kiffen’s “off field” activities. I think all parties are ready for a change of scenery.
Kiffin aint gonna leave bama after the sec title game, he wants that ring lol
IMO, regardless of where Kiffin is going, he will have to announce Sunday for purposes of recruiting steadiness at his next stop. It will then likely be up to saban whether he stays for the CFP or goes now.
Unless Lane and nick are really fighting and assuming dama wins the natty saban will give him his ring for the 13 wins he called the offense. I’m calling the SECCG a win.
Much like John Harbaugh did Cam Cameron after he fired Cam late late in the Superbowl year. If Saban doesn’t offer Lane a ring, well that will go a long way in suggesting people are right about him.
Hats off to the great Nick Saban! Before Nick gave Kiffin a second chance, nobody wanted Kiffin. He was a pariah. Now, programs are fighting over Lane, all thanks to Nick Saban.
Exactly Miles” HC at Houston, Kiffin @LSU
Lsu OC is well below Kiffin’s post 2016 season goal. He is a proven offensive genius with head coach upside. Why would he take a demotion to Lsu OC? He has the money already in hand, divorce notwithstanding, to pick and choose. The head coach opportunities, confirmed or otherwise, at Houston, Baylor, Oregon, Arizona State (?) etc presently are plentiful. He has done a masterful job at Alabama that is well recognized. He has matured on the field and sideline, maybe slightly less off it, but he is ready to be a head coach.
but maybe slightly
We always knew he would leave but I still don’t think he will go to LSU. He wants to be the big dog and to get as far away from the SEC as possible.
Poor Lane – fired at an airport, left behind by the team bus after a championship, being chewed out by Nick on the sidelines in front of millions. Karma is a bee-itch. He had a great opportunity to build something in Knoxville, and took the low road. Maybe he’s matured. Maybe not. Jumping to another OC job seems unproductive, especially now that he has two more years of working with Jalen rather than breaking in a new QB every year. I still think he and Oregon would be a good fit.
Kiffin and Houston is a no brainer. All that offense Herman left makes Houston perfect for Kiffin.
Kiffin can create his own offense. There are other candidates as or more qualified than him for the Houston position. He would not be a bad hire, but this is far from a no brainer.
With the talent on Alabama’s team any OC in any of the big conferences would look like a genius.
Kiffin is one of the best but Players come to Alabama because of Saban and Kiffin will be relatively easy to replace