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Lane Kiffin misses father Monte's advice, will lean on Nick Saban, Pete Carroll on coaching future

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz8 hours agoNickSchultz_7

As he weighs his coaching future, Lane Kiffin said Friday he misses having his father, Monte, to talk with about such a decision. He still has two calls he plans to make – Nick Saban and Pete Carroll.

Monte Kiffin passed away in July 2024, and he had a strong relationship with Lane. The two coached together at Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. Lane has spoken multiple times about the bond they shared.

As Lane Kiffin considers what he’ll do next with a decision looming and rumors swirling, he said he especially misses Monte. In the meantime, his first calls will be to Carroll and Saban, who both serve as mentors.

“I miss my dad,” Kiffin said while holding back emotions. “I really missed him this week. My two calls will be the closest to that for advice, what my dad would say to do on these things. That’ll be Coach Carroll and Coach Saban. Kind of wish when you have things to do in life, that your dad was there. But it is what it is.”

Kiffin’s future has been the biggest storyline in college football the last few weeks as two programs – LSU and Florida – prepared lucrative offers to hire him away from Ole Miss. Friday, On3 insiders reported the Gators are shifting their attention toward other targets. On3’s Pete Nakos also detailed what the steps could be for each program, depending on what Kiffin decides.

All the while, Ole Miss had to get ready for a huge game on Black Friday. The Rebels eventually took down Mississippi State 38-19 amid the noise, and Kiffin told ESPN’s Taylor McGregor he still has not made a decision. That is expected Saturday after Ole Miss AD Keith Carter previously said an announcement would come down Saturday, following Friday’s Egg Bowl in Starkville.

“No, I haven’t (made up my mind),” Kiffin said on the broadcast. “I’ve got a lot of praying to do to figure that out tomorrow, but right now, I’m just going to go enjoy these players. I told them last night, you’re going to win your 11th game, and all I want to do is experience joy watching you, and that’s what I’m about to do.”

In the meantime, Ole Miss secured an 11-win season for the first time in program history with Friday’s victory at Mississippi State. An SEC Championship appearance is still in the cards with some help, but the College Football Playoff is in sight.