Pete Thamel gives update on Lane Kiffin situation, says it’s ‘hard to imagine’ he stays at Ole Miss
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
With Florida and now LSU on the hunt for new head coaches, that could put Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin in the driver’s seat if he’s interested in leaving Oxford. ESPN’s Pete Thamel believes Kiffin could find either outside offer too hard to resist.
During a Tuesday appearance on ESPN’s College Football Live, Thamel expressed disbelief that Kiffin would return to Ole Miss for the 2026 season.
“Right now it’s hard to imagine Lane Kiffin coaching at Ole Miss next year,” Thamel said. “The opportunity that looms at either LSU or Florida is too big.”
The 50-year-old Kiffin has revitalized the Rebels. This season Ole Miss is currently ranked No. 7 in the AP poll and should have a favorable ranking when the initial College Football Playoff bracket drops on Nov. 4. A spot in the CFP would be a first for the program.
Kiffin accepted the job at Ole Miss after rehabbing his image with a successful 3-year stint at Florida Atlantic, which included 2 Conference USA titles. Ole Miss has won at least 10 games 3 times under Kiffin and appear headed for that mark again this season.
Next up for Kiffin and Ole Miss is a home game vs. South Carolina on Nov. 1 (7 p.m. ET/ESPN).
