As spring practice kicks into high gear, Lane Kiffin has made an impactful addition to his Ole Miss coaching staff. The Rebels’ head coach has confirmed the hiring of James Cregg, a seasoned offensive line coach with a championship pedigree, who joins the program as an analyst. Cregg’s resume includes stints in both the SEC and the NFL, making him a valuable asset to Kiffin’s staff. Notably, his daughter is also enrolled at the university, further solidifying a connection that Kiffin highlighted as key to building a family-like atmosphere within the team.
Kiffin expressed his enthusiasm about the hire: “It was a good addition. Coached in the SEC, coached in the NFL, and his daughter goes to school here, too. We kind of have a big family up there with our staff and all the people involved. It’s a really cool feeling, and I’ve been saying that for a while now. We’re going on our sixth year here. So many connections and things.”
This move parallels previous hires like Chris Kiffin and Joe Judge, who also brought invaluable NFL experience. The Rebels’ head coach recognizes the importance of these connections in enhancing the development of his players as they prepare for the competitive landscape of the SEC.
Kiffin didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges that lie ahead, particularly regarding player evaluations leading into the second transfer portal window. The departure of experienced players, especially at the quarterback position, has raised concerns for Kiffin. “I’m very concerned,” he admitted. “I mean, that’s a lot of experience, especially at quarterback. That’s been a concern since the last game. Just working with these guys and continuing to try to sign guys to bring in to help that who have started and played other places.”
Looking back, the Rebels completed the previous season with a strong 10-3 record and a commanding 52-20 victory over Duke in the Gator Bowl. This marked Kiffin’s third 10-win season in just five years at the helm in Oxford, a testament to the program’s upward trajectory.
However, as the competition in the SEC remains fierce, sustaining that level of success will be no small feat. Fans will eagerly anticipate how the Rebels kick off their next campaign, with their season opener set for August 30 against Georgia State. As Kiffin continues to build his roster and strengthen his coaching staff, excitement surrounds what could be another thrilling chapter for Ole Miss football.
