Ole Miss enters Saturday’s Outback Bowl against Indiana with a 4-5 overall record. No, that’s not even .500, but against all SEC competition, it is a step in the right direction.

And, with a talented 2021 recruiting class coming in, things are looking up for first-year coach Lane Kiffin’s tenure in Oxford.

On Saturday, prior to the bowl game, Ole Miss announced a contract extension for Kiffin. AD Keith Carter cited Kiffin’s dynamic offense and success on the recruiting trail as reasons for the extension:

“This is an investment in the future of Ole Miss Football,” Carter said. “We hired Coach Kiffin with the hope of revitalizing our football program, and in just one short year, he has done just that. His innovative offensive approach has shattered SEC records, and with a top-20 recruiting class coming in, the future is bright under Coach Kiffin’s leadership. We are committed to him and providing the resources necessary to elevate this program to greater heights.”

Kiffin thanked Carter for having faith in him and said he looks forward to his future at Ole Miss:

“I appreciate Keith’s leadership and his commitment to building a winning football program,” Kiffin said. “While I’m proud of what our team accomplished this season, we have higher aspirations for Ole Miss Football. This is just the start, and I look forward to continuing to build a championship program.”

Details of the contract extension aren’t known at this time.