The Final Act: Ole Miss commits and prospects react to the Lane Kiffin departure
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In the words of Robert Hunter, “You know better but I know him! Like a steam locomotive rolling down the track. He’s gone, he’s gone! And nothing’s going to bring him back!”
On Sunday, the inevitable occurred: Lane Kiffin took center stage for one final act in a long and drawn-out performance that likely didn’t unfold as he had envisioned. This marked his departure to Baton Rouge and the conclusion of the Lane Kiffin era in Oxford once and for all.
Despite a promising future ahead — having made history by securing Ole Miss‘s first-ever 11-win season, earning a shot at the College Football Playoff, and establishing financial resources for growth — it wasn’t enough to keep him from the allure of Baton Rouge.
What could have been an amicable farewell instead turned into quite a spectacle. Kiffin appeared torn between wanting to savor his success while also pursuing new opportunities. Ultimately, however, The Lane Train did not roll out with an entourage of coaches and players heading to Death Valley in some mass exodus. Instead, an administration, staff, and players remained steadfastly focused on making history right where they were — in the Velvet Ditch as Ole Miss Rebels.
Whenever there is a significant shift within a program, it is those who remain who must pick up the pieces and navigate through the aftermath. Yet even amid this turmoil lies an opportunity; perhaps this is the fuel that these coaches and athletes needed more than ever before, igniting a renewed sense of determination among those left behind.
This not only impacts the current state of affairs but also casts shadows on the recruiting efforts. With early signing day just around the corner, will Kiffin’s exit trigger a mass exodus among Rebels recruits? We spoke with current Ole Miss commits and prospects to gauge their reactions to Kiffin’s departure and what it means for their futures with the Rebels.
Nascar McCoy: Ole Miss Commit, 3-Star Safety, Buford (GA)
“Of course it shocked everybody at first, but honestly I’m still locked in with Ole Miss. Coach Golding has been real with us since day one, and the energy he brings is different. I feel like the program’s still moving forward.”
Rees Wise: Ole Miss Commit, 3 Star QB, Austin Westlake (TX)
“Well I’m not thrilled about all this – but what can you do? I’m signing my letter of intent this week. Kiffin was a big part about my decision to commit- but truly it was also about the GREAT coaching staff here in Oxford! They believe in me and I still believe in them. I’m just gonna continue to pray on this and hope things work out. As for Coach Golding, I only got to speak with him briefly during my visit. But from what I gathered from the players and coaches is that he’s well respected. I’m looking forward to talking with him in the near future.”
Jett Goldsberry: Ole Miss Commit, 3- ATH Heritage Hills (IN)
“I really like Coach Golding a lot.”
“Not really that much, I don’t think, just trying to figure everything out with the coaches and my agent/parents.” — On how it affects his commitment
Iverson McCoy: Ole Miss Commit, 3 Star Safety, Tupelo (MS)
“Idc for Lane departure from Ole Miss. I am happy that coach Pete stayed and coach Brown Stayed!”
Javarious Griffin Jr: 2027 3-Star WR Cleveland Central (MS)
“I think everything is God’s timing! I’m here with coach Pete and I’m going to riding with him and ole miss until the wheels fall off!” #HottyToddy
Jake Sneed: 2027 TE, The John Cooper School (TX)
“Lane’s departure was definitely a shock even though we figured he was leaving. It’s also surprising how fast they replaced him in DC Pete Golding>”
Cayden Dixon: 2028 QB, Father Ryan HS (TN)
“It happens. Coaches move. I’m still locked in on finding the best fit and seeing what Ole Miss does next.”
But when it all came down to it, even Lane Kiffin, despite his professed transformation and love of Oxford, still struggled to shed old habits when it came to parting ways. Nevertheless, the show will go on and the darkness will give way as the dawn of the Pete Golding Era has arrived, setting the next act for Ole Miss.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
