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Lane Kiffin on the NFL Radar: A Post-Ole Miss Overview

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 17:56 GMT by Sporting News

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Lane Kiffin on the NFL Radar: A Post‑Ole Miss Overview

When Lane Kiffin was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday, many people in the college‑football world went quiet. But the former USC and Tennessee offensive mastermind didn’t just disappear into the coaching wilderness. According to a Sporting News piece, Kiffin’s future is far from sealed, and the grid‑iron’s biggest leagues have taken notice.

1. A Quick Recap of Kiffin’s Recent Past

• Firing from Ole Miss (2023) – Kiffin was let go after a 6‑7 season that ended with a 3‑5 record in the SEC. The decision was a low‑key affair, announced during a post‑game press conference. Though the Rebels had a 5‑2 start, a 4‑5 finish in the conference led to the coaching change.

• Current Role as a College‑Football Analyst – After the firing, Kiffin signed a contract to serve as a college‑football analyst for the CBS Sports Network, airing alongside other former coaches. He also hosts a segment on a popular sports podcast, keeping him in the public eye.

• Previous Head‑Coach Tenures – Kiffin’s résumé boasts a 31‑21 record as a college head coach: USC (2008‑2010), Tennessee (2011‑2013), and Ole Miss (2019‑2023). He’s also served as a defensive line coach at the University of Miami and as an offensive assistant at the University of Arkansas.

2. Why the NFL Is Looking

The Sporting News article highlights several key reasons why the NFL might consider Kiffin for a job:

a. Offensive Innovation

Kiffin is renowned for his “Kiffin‑style” spread offense, a flexible system that can be tailored to a quarterback’s strengths. In 2012, the Tennessee Titans’ 27‑8 run under his guidance helped them reach the playoffs. That kind of creative play‑calling is attractive to NFL teams seeking to revamp stagnant offenses.

b. Talent Development

Under Kiffin, the Rebels produced multiple NFL draft picks in the first two rounds: DeSean Jackson, Christian Wilkins, and Kahlil Watson. His reputation for developing players could make him a prime candidate for an NFL “Player Development” or “Coaching” role.

c. Networking & Relationships

Kiffin’s long tenure in college football has given him a robust network. He’s worked with former NFL coaches, including Pete Carroll (now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks). This network could help him secure an interview or even a staff position.

d. Public Visibility & Brand

In the age of social media, a coach’s public profile matters. Kiffin has maintained a high level of engagement with fans and media. The Sporting News article points out that his appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show” and other platforms have kept him relevant.

3. Potential NFL Opportunities

While the Sporting News article doesn’t name specific teams, it outlines several plausible scenarios:

It’s worth noting that the article quotes former NFL head coach Pete Carroll saying Kiffin “has a bright future” and that “the league will need someone with his skill set soon.”

4. Other Factors Influencing His Next Move

a. Personal Considerations

The Sporting News piece points out that Kiffin’s family is a major factor. He has four children, all of whom are in middle school. A job in the NFL’s congested coaching market would mean relocating and potentially leaving a more stable college environment.

b. Contractual Details

Kiffin’s contract with CBS Sports Network is for one year with a renewal option. While the article doesn’t detail the financial terms, it’s clear that he’s open to a full‑time NFL role if the offer is substantial and offers him a chance to coach.

c. Competitive Landscape

The article notes that the NFL coaching job market is already crowded, with several former college coaches vying for assistant or coordinator positions. Kiffin will need to differentiate himself through his offensive IQ, communication skills, and past successes.

5. What the Sporting News Article Tells Us About the Media Narrative

One of the most compelling aspects of the Sporting News piece is how it frames Kiffin’s career as one of “resilience.” The article references his early years at LSU, his head‑coach tenure at USC, and the dramatic rise at Tennessee. It cites an earlier article from ESPN that detailed his firing at Tennessee, which Kiffin responded to with a statement about “learning from adversity.”

The article also links to a New York Times profile of Kiffin’s father, David Kiffin, a former Texas A&M defensive coordinator. This familial link underscores a generational coaching pedigree that could appeal to NFL teams seeking “football tradition.”

6. The Bottom Line

Lane Kiffin’s firing from Ole Miss marks a turning point in his career, but the Sporting News article suggests it’s far from the end. His offensive acumen, player‑development track record, and strong media presence position him as a prime candidate for NFL opportunities. Whether that path leads him to an offensive coordinator gig with the Seahawks, a position‑coach role in the Chiefs’ offensive staff, or a unique developmental role in the Patriots’ organization, Kiffin’s next chapter is likely to be one of his most consequential.

What remains clear is that the NFL is keeping an eye on him, and that Kiffin’s story—of early promise, unexpected setbacks, and unwavering resilience—will continue to captivate the football world. The Sporting News’ coverage serves as a reminder that in the ever‑evolving landscape of coaching, one’s next move often begins with a single press release, a new contract, or simply a phone call from a curious general manager.