What “Wants to finish the season” really means

What’s going on with Lane Kiffin right now

Lane Kiffin has led the Ole Miss Rebels to an 11-1 record this regular season, achieving what would be the program’s first 11-win regular season under his watch. CBS Sports+2SI+2
As of late November 2025, he is being actively courted as a leading candidate for the head-coaching job at LSU. Reuters+2SI+2
Despite the rumored interest from LSU — and considerable expectations that he may accept — Kiffin has not publicly committed to leaving yet. CBS Sports+2Tiger Rag+2

In a Nov. 24, 2025 news conference, Kiffin explicitly said it was “very important” to him to finish out the season at Ole Miss, including the upcoming rivalry game (the Egg Bowl vs. Mississippi State) and any postseason/Playoff games. Yahoo Sports+1
When asked in the wake of their 38–19 Egg Bowl win if he had made up his mind about his future, Kiffin said: “I’ve got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow … right now, I’m just going to enjoy these players.” CBS Sports+2SI+2
Multiple reports confirm that part of the delay in finalizing any move to LSU stems from Kiffin’s desire to coach through the end of the season with the Rebels rather than jumping ship immediately. SI+2NBC Sports+2

For Ole Miss:

The Rebels are on the brink of making history, possibly their first College Football Playoff appearance. A mid-season coaching departure would disrupt continuity at a crucial moment. SI+2Tiger Rag+2
The administration reportedly negotiated a timeline: Kiffin would coach the Egg Bowl (Nov. 28) and then announce his decision. SI+2The Telegraph+2
However, should he choose to leave, the program must quickly pivot: interim coaching plans, staff changes, recruiting impacts, and player morale become immediate concerns. SI+1

For Kiffin & LSU:

From Kiffin’s perspective, he faces a choice: stay to capitalize on what he’s built at Ole Miss, or move to LSU where the resources and perceived path to a national championship might be greater. SI+1
For LSU, the delay is a problem: early signing periods, recruiting deadlines, and offseason staff assembly schedules demand clarity. SI+2Newsweek+2
Some observers (e.g. Joel Klatt) argue that leaving Ole Miss now could cost Kiffin credibility — especially with recruits — given the timing during an active postseason run. SI+1

Here are the main possible outcomes depending on Kiffin’s final decision:

Scenario	What it means
Kiffin stays at Ole Miss (through playoffs, maybe longer)	Ole Miss maintains stability, enters playoffs with continuity; staff stays mostly intact. Kiffin’s legacy at Oxford strengthened.
Kiffin announces move to LSU after season	Ole Miss begins quick transition (interim coach or replacement), possible disruption to recruiting and morale; LSU begins building staff + recruiting around him.
Kiffin accepts LSU immediately (before playoffs)	Significant disruption at Ole Miss — likely mid-season coaching change, potential roster or performance impact; LSU gets early start on rebuild.
Extended uncertainty / stalemate	Risk of distraction for players & staff; recruiting ambiguity; potential loss of momentum regardless of final decision.

Lane Kiffin appears sincere in his desire to stay with Ole Miss through the end of this season (Egg Bowl + potential postseason). That’s a sign of commitment to players and program legacy, despite heavy external interest.
But that very desire is complicating and delaying his move to LSU — which has wide-ranging consequences for both Ole Miss’s stability and LSU’s ability to build for next season.
Ultimately, how this resolves will reflect on Kiffin’s values (loyalty vs. ambition), and could shape the direction of two major SEC programs heading into a crucial offseason for recruiting and competition.