Jeff Lebby answers if buzz around Lane Kiffin rumors could be an Egg Bowl distraction

The drama continues to swirl around Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin heading into the Egg Bowl. It was reported that the Rebels had given Kiffin a deadline of Nov. 28, the day they play Mississippi State in the famed rivalry game, to decide on whether he was staying in Oxford or leaving for another job after being rumored a candidate at Florida and LSU.

Kiffin later called the report “absolutely not true,” saying the school had not issued him any such ultimatum. Even so, many have wondered whether the continued spotlight on the coach’s decision could be a distraction for the team.

Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby was asked his thoughts in a press conference on Wednesday. He mostly dismissed the idea, saying it won’t change how he prepares.

“I have spent no time thinking about that or if it will be,” Lebby said. “As they handle things inside their walls, I’m fighting like heck to make sure we’re in a great spot. That is where 100 percent of my focus and energy is.”

Of course, Lebby used to be on Kiffin’s staff as the offensive coordinator from 2020-21. He left for the same position at Oklahoma in 2022 and remained there two seasons before taking the head coaching job at Mississippi State.

Both the Rebels and Bulldogs have a bye this week, giving each plenty of time to prepare. But instead of the football field, much of the focus has been on what Kiffin’s future holds.

At Wednesday’s SEC Coaches’ Teleconference, Lane Kiffin was asked point-blank if he expected to coach in Ole Miss’ Egg Bowl game next week against rival Mississippi State. That prompted a sharp question from the coach.

“Do you know something that I don’t know?” Kiffin responded curtly. “Do I expect to coach next week? Why would I not expect to coach next week? I mean, I expected to coach against Florida too. So I don’t even understand the question about how I would not expect to coach next week. Why would I (not) be at work?”

It’s likely to be much of the same questions until a decision is finally reached from Kiffin. Both teams will just have to do there best to block out the noise heading into the Egg Bowl, which will kick off at 12 p.m. ET on the Friday after Thanksgiving.