BATON ROUGE, La. – Lane Kiffin has been named the new head football coach at LSU, leaving Ole Miss after six seasons to take over a Tigers program seeking a return to national championship contention.
In a corresponding move Sunday, Ole Miss announced defensive coordinator Pete Golding has been promoted to head coach effective immediately. Golding will lead the No. 6 Rebels (11-1) into the upcoming College Football Playoff.
Kiffin, 50, accepted the position following days of speculation surrounding the vacancy created by LSU’s firing of Brian Kelly in October. Kiffin informed Ole Miss officials of his decision Sunday morning. While financial terms were not immediately disclosed, reports indicate Kiffin agreed to a seven-year contract expected to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport.
“After a lot of prayer and time spent with family, I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU,” Kiffin said in a statement. “While I am looking forward to a new start with a unique opportunity at LSU, I will forever cherish the incredible six years I spent at Ole Miss.”
LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry officially welcomed Kiffin, citing his offensive acumen and SEC experience.
“Lane is a proven winner who has thrived in an era of college athletics that requires coaches to adapt and innovate,” Ausberry said. “His passion, creativity, and authenticity make him the ideal leader to guide LSU into the future.”
Kiffin leaves Oxford with a 55-19 record, having guided the Rebels to their first 11-win regular season in program history in 2025. His tenure revitalized Ole Miss, transforming the program into a consistent offensive powerhouse.
However, Kiffin will not coach the Rebels in their first-ever playoff appearance. Kiffin stated he requested to finish the postseason with the team, but that request was denied by Ole Miss administration.
“For our program to begin preparing for its future – both the short and long term – he will be stepping away from the team immediately,” Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter said.
The university moved quickly to name Golding as the program’s 40th head coach. Golding, who joined Ole Miss in 2023 after serving as defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban, is credited with dramatically improving the Rebels’ defense.
“From the moment he arrived in Oxford, we quickly realized Pete is a coach who could not only lead a program but elevate it to championship status,” Carter said. “His tenure will begin immediately as he leads our program in the pursuit of a national title.”
Golding, 41, called the promotion an honor and emphasized his immediate focus on the postseason.
“Oxford is home, and it’s an incredible honor to lead one of the nation’s premier programs,” Golding said. “I can’t wait to get to work immediately and prepare this team to win a national championship.”
The College Football Playoff bracket will be released Dec. 7, with Ole Miss projected to host a first-round game.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
