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The Contract: LSU makes Kiffin one of CFB's highest-paid coaches

On3 imageby: Shea Dixon9 hours agosheadixon

LSU Football has put together a contract that will make Lane Kiffin one the highest-paid coaches in America – and with NIL backing.

Kiffin and LSU have agreed to a seven-year, $91 million deal, the Advocate reported on Monday morning. He joins Kirby Smart as the only coaches making at least $13 million per year. The contract includes a bonus if he wins a national title that would make him the highest paid coach in the country. At Ole Miss, he was making just over $9 million per year.

The deal includes an 80% buyout if LSU fires him without cause, but it does not have a mitigation/offset clause.

The school is, as well, promising significant NIL and revenue share roster investments exceeding $25 million — perhaps the most important determining factor for the coach.

Despite comments last month from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry critical of high-priced coaching contracts, the state’s top elected official has blessed the university’s lucrative pursuit of Kiffin, led by newly appointed athletic director Verge Ausberry. While there is brewing confidence in Baton Rouge that the latest push will lure the coach into a commitment, Florida administrators and top donors have felt similarly in a chase of the coach that dates back weeks.

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The 50-year-old Kiffin will inherit a team that went 7-5 this season and 3-5 in the SEC. Their 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked 12th in the country, and local five-stars Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson have reaffirmed their commitments, which is a huge win for Kiffin.

Kiffin will continue to build his roster, his coaching staff, and his program from top to bottom over the coming months as they put in the foundation to be a title contender early in his tenure. He knows that he’s taken a premier job in college football and he’s ready to win big.

“Yeah, just… you know, this was really hard,” Kiffin said. “My heart was here. But I talked to some mentors, Coach Carroll, Coach Saban, and especially when Coach Carroll said, “Man, your dad would tell you to go, man. Take the shot. Take the shot. You’ve accomplished a lot here.” You know, I always hated how we only gave one year to Tennessee and left. I really hated that feeling, even though it was an exciting year. But, you know, I think we gave a lot to this program and to the city, and had some of the most historic wins in this stadium we’ve ever had, and the best regular season in the history of the school. So, I feel proud of that part. But it just became time. You know, I talked to God and he told me it’s time to take a new step. It’s a new chapter.”