LSU to pay Lane Kiffin postseason bonuses he would have received at Ole Miss
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Even though Lane Kiffin will not be coaching Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff, he’ll still be receiving the same postseason bonuses.
Wilson Alexander of The Advocate obtained Kiffin’s LSU contract via a records request. Alexander found surprising language that LSU will pay Kiffin’s postseason bonuses for Ole Miss this season. At 11-1, the Rebels are sure to make the CFP field of 12, meaning Kiffin will be paid $150,000 by LSU. If the Pete Golding-led Rebels win the CFP National Championship, LSU will pay Kiffin the $1 million bonus he would have made at Ole Miss for a national title.
This has been updated to include a fascinating part of Lane Kiffin's deal: LSU agreed to pay his postseason bonuses even though he won't coach Ole Miss in the CFP, so he could still make up to $1 million if the Rebels win a national title without him.https://t.co/ivoL2TMgiE
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 1, 2025
Whether Kiffin would coach the Rebels in the Playoff was at the center of what became a rather messy exit for LSU. In a social media post announcing his departure, Kiffin vented his frustration with being denied the opportunity.
“I was hoping to complete a historic six season run with this year’s team by leading Ole Miss through the playoffs, capitalizing on the team’s incredible success and their commitment to finish strong, and investing everything into a playoff run with guardrails in place to protect the program in any areas of concern,” Kiffin wrote. “My request to do so was denied by Keith Carter despite the team also asking him to allow me to keep coaching them so they could better maintain their high level of performance.”
In his airport interview with Marty Smith, Kiffin offered a more diplomatic tone, acknowledging Carter and the Rebels were in a difficult position.
“This was a very challenging, difficult day. We went through a lot (Saturday night) with Keith Carter trying to figure out a way to make this Playoff run work and to be able to coach this team. At the end of the day, I totally respect that (decision). I understand that decision,” Kiffin said. “I just totally wish the team the best of luck, wish that I was coaching but it was a very challenging position for him to be in. I totally respect that. I hope they play really well and go win the national championship.”
Now Kiffin has a million reasons to be pulling for Ole Miss to win the championship.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
