Lane Kiffin is the offensive coordinator at Alabama. (Getty)
It is hard to imagine a more well-known assistant college football coach than Lane Kiffin. In addition to being the Alabama offensive coordinator, Lane is recognized for his time as head coach at both Tennessee and USC.
When he is not helping Nick Saban draw up creative offensive plays at Alabama, chances are Lane is spending time with his family. While Lane and Layla recently divorced, his three children remain important to him as a father.
Lane also has a special relationship with his father, Monte, and brother, Chris. All three are football coaches with Monte serving as an assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars while Chris is the defensive line coach at Ole Miss.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Lane & Layla Got a Divorce in 2016
Citing “irreconcilable differences”, the couple divorced in spring 2016. Lane issued a statement confirming the divorce.
“After a lot of careful thought and consideration, Layla and I have mutually decided to divorce. We are fully committed to our kids’ future being our No. 1 priority. We will maintain an amicable relationship with respect for each other as we raise these three wonderful children. We will have no further comments and appreciate respect for our family’s privacy,” Lane said (via FOX Sports).
During the 2015 season, rumors swirled that Lane had a relationship with Nick Saban’s daughter, Kristen. The rumors were never confirmed by credible sources.
2. The Couple Has Three Children Together
Despite the divorce, Lane has made it a point to note his children are a top priority. Lane has two daughters, Landry and Pressley, along with his son, Monte. Lane’s family have described his parenting style as extremely active and hands-on. His sister, Heidi, spoke about Lane’s role as a father to the USA Today.
“I think that says a lot about a person, how much your children look up to you and love you. He’s a great dad. Unfortunately, he is working a lot, so he doesn’t get to spend as much time with his children as he would like to. But when they are together, he makes the most of that time,” Heidi told the USA Today.
3. Lane’s Dad, Monte, Is a Longtime NFL Coach
Monte Kiffin is an NFL coaching legend. (Getty)
Long before Lane became a public figure in college football, the Kiffin name was synonymous with football. His father, Monte, is known as the father of the “Tampa-2”, a defense that became well-known during his time as defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a defense that helped NFL legends like Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Warren Sapp thrive.
At 76, Monte still loves the game and is still coaching. He was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a defensive assistant prior to the start of the 2016 season.
4. Lane’s Brother, Chris, Is the Ole Miss Defensive Line Coach
Chris Kiffin posing with one of his players. (Twitter)
Lane appears to be the ringleader among his two siblings, Heidi and Chris. The family gathers for a retreat every Fourth of July. This past year, the family gathered at Chris’ house. Like Lane, Chris also has a passion for football and works as the defensive line coach for Ole Miss. Heidi admits it is Lane who makes sure there is always some sort of activity going on anytime the family gathers.
“He’s like the cruise director. He’ll be like, ‘We’re going fishing,’ or, ‘Come on, we’re working out now.’ He just gets everybody together doing something fun,” Heidi told the USA Today.
5. He Makes $714,000 as Alabama Offensive Coordinator
Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban are college football’s odd couple. (Getty)
According to the USA Today, Lane ranked 30th among highest paid college football assistants last season. The ranking does not tell the full story as Lane was still receiving money from USC after being fired. According to the Los Angeles Times, he was paid $3.4 million last season.
Lane was the only Alabama assistant to not receive a raise in 2015. The school explained the decision had to do with Lane still being paid by USC.