Booger McFarland: Ole Miss should allow Lane Kiffin to coach College Football Playoff if he leaves

On Friday, Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, it’s unclear if Ole Miss’ administration will allow Lane Kiffin to coach his Rebels in the postseason if, on Saturday, he announces he won’t be coaching at Ole Miss next season.

Earlier this month, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said the school will reveal Kiffin’s plan for next season on Saturday. Now, the time is here. If Kiffin announces he’ll be coaching at LSU next season tomorrow, ESPN analyst Booger McFarland believes Ole Miss should still allow him to coach the Rebels in the CFP.

“I feel like he’s earned the right,” McFarland said during halftime of the Georgia-Georgia Tech game. “Anytime you coach a team, that team starts in the spring. You go through spring practice, throughout the summer, and now you finish a season. And, if you earn an opportunity to take that team into the playoff, he should coach that team in the playoff.

“You always hear people say, ‘Finish what you start.’ And if he gets an opportunity to put this team in the playoff, he should be able to finish.”

Kiffin has ushered in newfound success at Ole Miss. This year’s group of Rebels will be the first in school history to compete in the CFP. Additionally, this season is the first time Ole Miss has won 11 games in the regular season.

McFarland believes Kiffin’s six years of dedication to the school have earned him the right to finish this season if he won’t be leading the Rebels next year. Alas, Ole Miss athletic administration may not feel the same.

On the other hand, Lane Kiffin was spotted hugging Ole Miss chancellor Glenn Boyce after the Rebels’ win Friday. Additionally, ESPN’s Marty Smith reported that Ole Miss will match any offer extended to Kiffin.

“He’s got 10-win seasons at Ole Miss. He’s got an 11-win season. His ability to be successful there has created opportunities for him,” McFarland said. “Whatever choice he decides, he’s earned that right to make that decision. And, so good for Lane. More importantly, good for Ole Miss, because they clinched the spot, in my opinion, in the playoff.”

Ole Miss needs Texas A&M and Alabama to lose this weekend to appear in the SEC Championship game. It would be Ole Miss’ first-ever appearance in the conference championship game.