LSU executives and athletic administrators are finalizing the terms of a record-breaking contract proposal for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.
The offer is not yet complete, but Dellenger reported that LSU executives have discussed a seven-year, incentive-heavy deal worth at least $90 million. This would make Kiffin, at least, tied as the highest-paid coach in college football.
LSU is also promising NIL-related roster investments totaling more than $25 million. That would give Kiffin the resources to attain playoff-contending level rosters each season.
For reference, the 2024 national champion Ohio State roster was reportedly worth about $20 million, and multiple reports have said this year’s No. 1 Ohio State roster cost $35 million.
Dellenger also reported that LSU is looking for a commitment on the proposal within the next week.
Despite comments from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry about large coaching contracts, he has blessed the university’s pursuit of Kiffin, led by newly appointed Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and President Wade Rousse.
While there is increasing confidence in Baton Rouge that the latest push will lure the coach into a commitment, Florida administrators have felt similarly in chase of Kiffin.
This pursuit comes amidst Ole Miss’s 10-1 season with an 84% chance to make the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN’s CFP chances. A win versus Mississippi State is crucial for a chance to host a playoff game.
As the situation unfolds, a meeting among Kiffin, Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter and university Chancellor Glenn Boyce on Friday afternoon was called.
The meeting produced no public resolution about Kiffin’s future, according to a statement from Carter. In the statement, Carter revealed that Kiffin’s decision on his future would be made public next Saturday, after Ole Miss plays Mississippi State in the annual Egg Bowl on Friday.
Dellenger reported that Ole Miss’s players are aware of the situation and that there is growing tension within the program.
Kiffin is likely LSU’s top target in its coaching search, with the program’s hopes getting closer to materializing.
LSU is without a permanent head coach after firing Brian Kelly midseason. Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson has filled in as the interim.
