Uncertainty around LSU-bound coaches as Ole Miss prepares for CFP semis
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Ole Miss won the biggest game in program history Thursday night, knocking off Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl to move within 2 wins of an outright national championship.
Hours later, the transfer portal officially opened.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has hired members of his old Ole Miss coaching staff. The assumption was that they would be in Baton Rouge working with him to help build his first LSU roster once the portal opened. Now, those coaches still have obligations to an Ole Miss team with a very real shot at a title.
According to a report from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, it is “unclear” how many assistants will be allowed to stay with the Rebels in preparation for the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8.
Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger that he wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know,” Carter said when asked if 6 staffers would stay with the team. “We’re going to celebrate tonight and get ready for Arizona in the morning.”
ESPN reported that some Ole Miss assistants have pushed back on the idea that they would leave the Rebels on the doorstep of a title appearance. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is expected to coach in the Fiesta Bowl, according to ESPN, but a plan is in place for the other 5 assistants if they move to LSU.
“Everything has been extremely clear and transparent between myself and Pete Golding through constant communication, including a plan all the way through this historic championship run,” Kiffin told ESPN in a statement. “What an amazing night for all Ole Miss players, coaches, and fans.”
In addition to Weis, tight ends coach Joe Cox, wide receivers coach George McDonald, inside receivers coach Sawyer Jordan, quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens, and running backs coach Kevin Smith have all signed contracts to join Kiffin at LSU.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
