Lane Kiffin played himself one more time

Lane Kiffin’s former team, Ole Miss, defeated his new team, LSU, in a 32-24 victory on Saturday night. The game showed the lasting influence Kiffin had on the Ole Miss program during his time there, while also highlighting the $91 million investment LSU made in him and the roughly $50 million roster they’ve assembled.

Kiffin’s Impact at Ole Miss

Kiffin raised Ole Miss into a competitive force, turning it into one of the most desirable coaching positions in the country. His achievements were clear as Ole Miss emerged as a serious contender in the SEC, even after his departure. This transformation was so profound that it raised Ole Miss from a football backwater to a program capable of attracting top talent and financial support.

A Pattern of Self-Inflicted Challenges

Kiffin’s career has been characterized by a tendency to create difficulties for himself. From his stints with the Raiders to Tennessee and USC, he has a history of contentious decisions and abrupt exits. His track record of self-sabotage dates back to his time with the Raiders in 2007 and ’08, where he clashed with owner Al Davis despite having innovative offensive ideas. At Tennessee in 2009, he further damaged his reputation by earning an SEC reprimand for unsubstantiated claims about Urban Meyer’s recruiting practices, accumulating minor NCAA violations, and leaving for USC after just one season.

Despite his offensive expertise, Kiffin’s struggles with collaboration and his impulsive decision-making have led to setbacks at various points in his career. His brief tenure at Alabama under Nick Saban offered a temporary reprieve, but he was ultimately dismissed during a playoff campaign, showing his inability to avoid drama.

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The Ole Miss Triumph

Kiffin’s efforts to dismantle the program he built were not entirely successful, as Ole Miss retained key players like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and tailback Kewan Lacy, and continued to prosper. This win highlights the program’s robustness and the financial investment it has secured, positioning Ole Miss as a legitimate peer in the SEC race.

Ultimately, Kiffin’s story is one of both success and self-imposed obstacles. His influence on Ole Miss is undeniable, but his propensity for self-sabotage remains a recurring theme in his career. The program’s rise mirrors a previous moment in Ole Miss history when Tommy Tuberville left for Auburn in 1999, initially struggled against the Rebels, and then dominated them as Auburn became a title contender while Ole Miss floundered. This time, however, Ole Miss has the financial and cultural foundation to avoid a similar fate.

As the season unfolds, Kiffin’s LSU team will face significant challenges, while the Ole Miss program continues to build on its achievements. The SEC competition remains fierce, with Georgia as the frontrunner. For now, Kiffin’s attention will be on managing the demands of his new position, as Ole Miss reaps the benefits of his previous efforts.