There has been plenty of speculation about Lane Kiffin’s attendance plans during the College Football Playoff, but so far the LSU coach has avoided being at the postseason games of his former Ole Miss team. As Ole Miss takes on Miami, the question arises again about Kiffin’s status.
So far, there is no indication that Kiffin will attend the Fiesta Bowl between Ole Miss and Miami. Given the game is in Glendale, Arizona, it is a long way from Baton Rouge where Kiffin has been heavily recruiting star players in the transfer portal.
If Kiffin skipped the quick trip to New Orleans to watch Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, chances are the LSU coach is not making the flight for the Fiesta Bowl. Kiffin’s attendance has become a topic after On3’s Chris Low reported that there was a growing expectation that Kiffin would attend the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Ole Miss on New Year’s Day.
Here’s what you need to know about Kiffin’s plans during the College Football Playoff.
Lane Kiffin Had a Change of Heart on Attending the Ole Miss Game vs. Georgia at Sugar Bowl
Just in case you are catching up on the situation, Kiffin began the season as the Ole Miss coach before bolting for LSU prior to the College Football Playoff after months of rumors about his future. Kiffin had been linked to both LSU and Florida before joining the Tigers.
Ultimately, Kiffin had a change of heart and skipped the Sugar Bowl to watch his old team. Kiffin’s attendance at any of the Rebels’ games would draw backlash from both Ole Miss and LSU fans alike.
Instead, Kiffin opted to attend an LSU women’s basketball game that was happening at the same time as the Sugar Bowl. On the eve of the Sugar Bowl, there were rumblings that Kiffin could be headed to New Orleans.
“Several people at Ole Miss and LSU expect Kiffin to attend the Sugar Bowl, perhaps with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry,” Low detailed in a December 31, 2025, story titled, “Ole Miss team leaders: Lane Kiffin’s exit and the way it went down strengthened the Rebels’ bond.”
“Sources told On3 that Kiffin has even reached out to ESPN personnel about possibly appearing in the broadcast booth for a segment during the game, although sources say ESPN hasn’t been receptive.”
Did Ole Miss Players Want Lane Kiffin to Coach During the College Football Playoff?
On his way to Baton Rouge, Kiffin indicated that the Ole Miss players wanted him to coach through the College Football Playoff. As the weeks have passed, it has become clear that at least a portion of Ole Miss’ key players have disputed this theory.
With more than 100 players on a typical college football roster, there is room for a lot of different beliefs in a locker room. Yet, Kiffin painting the picture of the Ole Miss players begging the administration to allow him to coach does not appear accurate.
Ole Miss Lost Several Coaches to LSU Before the Miami Game
Part of the Ole Miss coaching staff also followed Kiffin to LSU. Tight ends coach Joe Cox and wide receivers coach George McDonald were both with Ole Miss against Georgia despite taking LSU jobs.
Ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, new Ole Miss coach Pete Golding revealed that the coaches are no longer with the team and have moved on to LSU, per The Athletic’s Grace Raynor.
The good news for Ole Miss is that quarterback Trinidad Chambliss turned down LSU’s overtures and announced he plans to return to Oxford, pending the NCAA’s decision on his eligibility. As for Kiffin, nothing can be ruled out, but it is a long shot for the coach to show up at the Fiesta Bowl.
Lane Kiffin Attending Miami-Ole Miss Game? LSU Coach’s Status Draws Scrutiny