Pat McAfee Urges Lane Kiffin to Stay at Ole Miss Amid Coaching Rumors

NEW ORLEANS, La. — November 22, 2025 — Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Ole Miss and a leading candidate for several high-profile college football vacancies, continues to be the focus of intense speculation as LSU and Florida reportedly pursue him for their coaching positions. During an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, sports analyst Pat McAfee publicly encouraged Kiffin to remain with Ole Miss, emphasizing the value of stability for the program.

Kiffin has garnered widespread attention this season for his leadership of the Ole Miss Rebels, who have exceeded preseason expectations and positioned themselves as a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His success has attracted interest from other programs seeking to revitalize their football teams.

According to sources familiar with the situation, both LSU and Florida have expressed strong interest in hiring Kiffin should their coaching vacancies become official. LSU is reportedly looking to replace its current coach following a disappointing season, while Florida is seeking a new direction after recent struggles.

McAfee, a former NFL punter turned broadcaster, spoke candidly about the coaching rumors during the College GameDay broadcast. He urged Kiffin to consider the progress made at Ole Miss and the potential for continued growth, suggesting that staying could benefit both the coach and the program.

“Lane has built something special at Ole Miss,” McAfee said. “Sometimes, the best move is to see a project through rather than chase the next opportunity. Stability is important for the players and the fans.”

While Kiffin has not publicly commented on the rumors, his name remains at the center of coaching discussions as the college football offseason approaches. The decisions made by Kiffin and the interested programs could have significant implications for the SEC landscape in the coming years.

Ole Miss athletic officials have not issued statements regarding Kiffin’s status, and it remains unclear how negotiations or discussions with LSU and Florida might proceed. The university is likely to prioritize retaining Kiffin, given the positive trajectory of the football program under his leadership.

The coaching carousel is a familiar aspect of college football, with programs frequently seeking new leadership to improve performance and recruiting. Kiffin’s proven track record and offensive acumen make him a sought-after candidate in a competitive market.

As the postseason approaches, attention will remain on Kiffin’s future and the potential moves by LSU and Florida. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Kiffin opts to continue building on his achievements at Ole Miss or pursues new challenges elsewhere.