Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin reportedly locked in for the future in Oxford

Lane Kiffin appears to be locked in for the long haul at Ole Miss, despite his name surfacing for nearly every major job opening in the SEC this fall.

When the Florida job opened, Kiffin was immediately labeled the top target. The same happened when LSU parted ways with Brian Kelly, and again when Auburn fired Hugh Freeze on Sunday. A position Kiffin reportedly coveted years ago. But this time, the Ole Miss coach seems content to stay put in Oxford. 

Rebels commits and top prospects are being told about Kiffin's clear intentions. “The staff has told me that he’s staying and we’re still locked in for the long haul,” said three-star safety commit Nascar McCoy via Rivals. “They’re building something special and don’t want that to be broken.”

Other commits like three-star receiver Jameson Powell believes Kiffin’s roots in Oxford have deepened. “He built what he has there and I know he feels his job may not be finished,” Powell said.

Kiffin has spoken in recent months about maturing past his early-career reputation as a job-chaser. “He’s found peace. He’s found the best version of himself,” ESPN’s Marty Smith reported. Kiffin responded on social media, saying “Love you @MartySmithESPN like a brother.”

Love you @MartySmithESPN like a brother. 💙 https://t.co/ub1s0tltIy

His family is now fully settled in Oxford — his son, Knox, is a 2028 quarterback prospect, and his daughter attends Ole Miss. Since taking over in 2020, Kiffin has gone 52-19, including three 10-win seasons, which will likely be a fourth. The Rebels are again positioned for a major bowl and possible playoff berth.

If Kiffin stays, it would mark a rare moment in a volatile coaching landscape and a statement that Oxford is home.

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