LSU is reportedly preparing a monumental contract offer for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin as it seeks to bring him to Baton Rouge. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the proposed deal could span seven years and be valued at up to $98 million. This potential agreement aims to make LSU competitive in both revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
While a formal offer has yet to be extended, Kiffin is expected to announce his decision regarding his future after the upcoming Egg Bowl against Mississippi State on November 28, 2025. The stakes are high, as a seven-year contract averaging $14 million annually would position Kiffin as the highest-paid coach in college football. Currently, Georgia’s Kirby Smart leads with an annual salary of $13.3 million.
LSU’s previous head coach, Brian Kelly, was dismissed during the fourth year of a ten-year, $95 million contract. The state laws in Louisiana present challenges for high-paying contracts for university personnel, prompting LSU to consider “easy-to-achieve” incentive bonuses as part of Kiffin’s contract structure. It is anticipated that the base salary will be slightly above $3 million, supplemented by external funding and performance incentives that could elevate the overall value of the offer beyond $98 million.
Kiffin currently earns $9 million at Ole Miss, ranking him sixth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the 2025 season. His success has made him a sought-after candidate, with interest from prestigious SEC programs including both LSU and Florida. Reports from CBS Sports indicate that LSU might have the upper hand in securing Kiffin’s services.
In terms of financial commitments, LSU is promising NIL and revenue-sharing investments exceeding $25 million. With the Rebels currently ranked sixth and boasting a 10-1 record, they are on the verge of making history by potentially reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time. Kiffin has guided the program to three consecutive ten-win seasons, the first in the school’s history.
On November 24, 2025, Kiffin and Ole Miss athletics director Keith Carter met to discuss the coach’s future. Earlier this month, the university initiated contract discussions with Kiffin, who is expected to be offered one of the most lucrative contracts in college sports should he choose to remain with the Rebels. Although negotiations have been described as “positive,” no definitive agreement has yet been reached.
During a recent teleconference, Kiffin deflected inquiries regarding his future, emphasizing his focus on the current season. He remarked, “I’m saying the same thing for six years. I’m not talking about speaking on other jobs. I’m focused on this one.” Notably, Kiffin’s ex-wife, Layla Kiffin, was reported to be on flights to Gainesville and Baton Rouge in the days leading up to the Egg Bowl, adding to speculation regarding his career moves.
Carter reiterated the importance of focusing on the upcoming game, stating, “Despite the outside noise, Coach Kiffin is focused on preparing our team for the Egg Bowl, and together, we want to ensure that our players and coaches can concentrate fully on next Friday’s game.” With the team’s historical performance at stake, the coming days will be critical for both Kiffin and the Ole Miss program.
Kiffin’s overall record stands at 54-19 across nearly six seasons, which includes four ten-win campaigns. As LSU prepares to make a bold move in the coaching landscape, all eyes will be on Kiffin’s decision in the coming week.
