LSU continues to target Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin in its search for a head coach, multiple sources told The Advocate on Friday, and it is waiting on an answer from him that may not come for another week.
Kiffin had a meeting Friday with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce, Carter said in a statement posted on social media. Ole Miss had sought clarity from Kiffin about his future as he considers both LSU and Florida.
Carter said an announcement on Kiffin’s future is expected the day after No. 6 Ole Miss plays arch-rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28.
“Despite the outside noise, Coach Kiffin is focused on preparing our team for the Egg Bowl,” Carter said, “and together, we want to ensure that our players and coaches can concentrate fully on next Friday’s game.”
LSU’s other primary target in the search at the moment is Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, sources said. When asked Wednesday if his representation has been contacted by LSU, Drinkwitz declined to comment.
Drinkwitz, 42, has a 57-28 overall record in seven seasons at Appalachian State and Missouri.
LSU decision-makers have wanted to remain patient so far during the search process, but sources said LSU intends to begin pushing for a commitment Sunday as it heads into the last week of the regular season.
Kiffin, 50, emerged as a primary target in LSU’s search soon after the firing of Brian Kelly. He has a 54-19 record in six seasons at Ole Miss, and he has guided the Rebels to at least 10 wins in four of the past five years, the most successful stretch in program history. Kiffin has a 115-53 record across 14 seasons at Tennessee, USC, FAU and Ole Miss.
On Monday, a private plane arranged by LSU officials brought several of Kiffin’s family members, including his ex-wife Layla Kiffin, to Baton Rouge for a tour of the city. His family visited Gainesville, Florida, the day before.
Kiffin’s representatives met with Florida athletic officials Thursday night, according to 247Sports.
Ole Miss has an open date this weekend before it plays Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. At 10-1, the Rebels are headed toward their first College Football Playoff appearance. If they are ranked outside the top four, they would likely host a first-round game Dec. 19 or 20.
LSU would be open to Kiffin coaching in the playoff, sources said, but it is unclear if Ole Miss would let him if he intends to leave for another job after the season.
