By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAt his Monday press conference, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin opened by deflecting all questions about his future, insisting he would only address the team, the game, and the college football season.
Asked if it was important that he coach the rest of the year at Ole Miss, he told reporters it is "very important" and that he's "never thought of anything different than that."
On ESPN’s "Get Up" Tuesday, Paul Finebaum argued the significant detail was what Kiffin didn’t say — namely, an unequivocal pledge to remain at Ole Miss through the playoff — interpreting the nuance as a signal he’s likely to leave.
When asked by Mike Greenberg where he thinks the best landing spot is for Kiffin, Finebaum said he's "best off" where he is.
"That's where he's happy. How many times have you heard him say 'Everything has finally gone my way.' Kiffin has battled a lot of demons, and he's overcome them. But he seems intent on leaving, and the reason is very simple. I don't believe Lane Kiffin thinks he can win a national championship at Ole Miss," Finebaum said.
"I don't know why he doesn't think that, considering where they are in the polls right now and the amount of money. But clearly, as he looks around, Florida seems like a slightly better fit, but LSU is the hot school."
"LSU has won national championships under Saban, Les Miles, and even Ed Orgeron. They didn't win one in four years under Brian Kelly. And that's why they paid to get rid of him. So it seems like LSU right now is the hot team. It could change because we are dealing with Lane Kiffin."
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Read More: Joel Klatt Fires Warning Shot at Lane Kiffin Over Ole Miss Exit Talk
Ole Miss enters Egg Bowl week at 10-1, and No. 6 nationally, effectively positioned for the 12‑team College Football Playoff even with a rivalry road test at Mississippi State set for 11 a.m. CT on Friday on ABC.
Athletic director Keith Carter said a formal announcement on Lane Kiffin’s future will come the day after the Egg Bowl, following meetings with Kiffin and chancellor Glenn Boyce.
Finebaum and Greenberg agreed on "Get Up" that if an announcement is set for Saturday, that timing tends to suggest a departure rather than a stay.
...Read More: Tulane, Jon Sumrall Dealt Major Recruiting Blow Amid Florida Rumors
LSU is reportedly preparing a seven‑year, incentive‑heavy offer for Kiffin worth at least $90 million, with more than $25 million annually in NIL roster investment — a combined commitment exceeding $115 million.
That package would push Kiffin into the very top tier of college coaching salaries.
Kiffin's family traveled to Gainesville and Baton Rouge last week, signaling the intense interest of both programs as Ole Miss counters with its own efforts to keep him.
Despite the noise, Kiffin has repeatedly declined to address his coaching future, reiterating that he would only take questions about the Egg Bowl, his players, and the season.
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