CBSSports’ Chris Hummer, John Talty, and Matt Zenitz wrote up some key notes on major college football coaching searches following Week 12 games.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin remains the top story. Will Kiffin go to Florida? LSU? Or will he stay at Ole Miss?
The report notes that Florida and LSU both have Kiffin as a top target. Kiffin and the Rebels are 10-1 after beating Florida on Saturday. Kiffin’s squad is firmly in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot.
“A few weeks ago those around Oxford were confident Kiffin would return. Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents Kiffin, was engaging the Rebels in extension talks,” Hummer, Talty, and Zenitz wrote.
“The tenor has shifted in recent weeks. There’s considerably less confidence now that Kiffin will stay in Oxford as several sources CBS Sports talked to believe it is more likely he’ll leave. Meanwhile, others in the last 24 hours have expressed optimism he’ll stay. Frankly, Kiffin is someone whose mind can change from day to day.”
The CBS report notes that Kiffin has questions about the politics at LSU. That likely refers to the off-the-field news that’s dominated the headlines in Baton Rouge over the last month, from the governor being involved in Brian Kelly’s firing to the mess surrounding Kelly’s buyout, with Kelly now suing the school.
The waiting game continues for LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss.
With Ole Miss likely in the playoff, it could hold up Kiffin’s decision, having domino effects throughout the coaching carousel. LSU and Florida might be the two best jobs on the market. Plenty of coaches will have interest and could wait to see what Kiffin does before making their decision.
The College Football Playoff begins mid-December, but if the Rebels go on a run, Kiffin could be coaching well into January.
