With the 2024 college football regular season in the books, teams are shifting focus to the postseason and the offseason.
The transfer portal, now (inexplicably) open, is often influenced by factors such as coaching changes.
A significant coaching departure can trigger a wave of player transfers, and the Ole Miss Rebels are among the teams hoping to avoid such upheaval.
Head coach Lane Kiffin’s name has surfaced in connection with several job openings, most notably at Florida.
The one and only Paul Finebaum speculated on Kiffin’s future at Ole Miss and suggested he may be eyeing other opportunities.
“I think he’s there now,” Finebaum said. “I think there’s a couple of jobs out there that he probably has his eye on.
“I think he had his eye on the Florida job, which never opened. There’s another job in the SEC that I bet he’s watching closely. That’s Lane Kiffin; you know what you’re going to get.”
Under Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss has achieved a 43-18 record over five seasons, including a historic 11-win campaign last year.
This season, Kiffin stands on the brink of surpassing David Cutcliffe as the third-winningest coach in program history – a feat that could be accomplished with a win in their upcoming bowl game.
While it’s true that Kiffin was temporarily connected to Florida, we know Gainesville is a stop the Lane Train won’t be making anytime soon.
After a nightmare start to the season, Gators head coach Billy Napier turned things around and saved his job.
In many ways, Napier deserves a ton of credit. After all, the entire world seemed against him and it looked like a virtual certainty that he’d be fired.
However, he not only got things back on track but he’s also created a tidal wave of momentum heading into 2025.
Some are speculating that the other SEC job Finebaum referenced could be the Oklahoma Sooners.
We all know current Sooners head coach Brent Venables is skating on thin ice and if he falters next season, the powers that be in Norman could look to make a change.
Meanwhile, the fact of the matter is Kiffin has done an impressive job in Oxford.
While no one wants to hear it, the Rebels were just a play or two away from making the playoffs.
It should be noted that Kiffin has stated numerous times that he is more than happy at Ole Miss and isn’t looking to leave.
Those who follow these things closely know that Finebaum isn’t exactly the biggest Kiffin fan in the world and he certainly isn’t hesitant to stir the pot whenever he can.
For now, Kiffin and the Rebels are focused on their postseason matchup.
Ole Miss (10-2) will face the Duke Blue Devils (9-3) in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Jan. 2 at 7:30pm EST.
Regardless of the outcome, rumors will continue to swirl regarding Kiffin’s future.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s comments?
Do you believe Kiffin when he says he’s in it for the long-haul at Ole Miss???
