As Ole Miss gears up for a defining stretch against Arkansas and Georgia, head coach Lane Kiffin finds himself at the center of swirling speculation. With the Rebels at 6-2 and their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Kiffin’s next two weekends could determine not only his team’s trajectory but also his future in Mississippi. SEC commentator Paul Finebaum, never one to shy away from bold takes, sees these games as make-or-break moments for Kiffin. “His next two weekends are going to really define who he is,” Finebaum warned on Another Dooley Noted Podcast with Pat Dooley. Should Ole Miss falter, a four-loss season could spell a significant shake-up for the program.
Kiffin, no stranger to job rumors, almost jumped to Auburn a few years ago—a near move that, according to Finebaum, revealed Kiffin’s flirtation with other opportunities and left some Ole Miss supporters wary of his loyalty. “Never trust Lane Kiffin when it comes to anything he says about his job,” Finebaum remarked, noting Kiffin’s knack for keeping his options open. For now, Kiffin holds the cards, but there’s a sense that the stakes are higher than ever.
As for the team’s performance, the Rebels have shown promise, but glaring issues remain. Despite their 26-14 win last week, Kiffin is vocal about the need for improvement in the run game, which could be critical in securing wins against Arkansas and Georgia. “We’re not run blocking very well at receiver and tight end right now,” he admitted. In the SEC, where every yard counts, the Rebels’ offensive line and blocking efforts need a serious uptick if they hope to contend.
It’s a high-stakes poker game for Kiffin, with playoff aspirations and a 19th national ranking on the line. If the Rebels can deliver in these crucial matchups, it might quash the rumors and speculation. But if not, Ole Miss fans may find themselves wondering if their coach is eyeing a different path altogether.
What’s your take? Should Kiffin stay committed to the Rebels, or is he destined for a new opportunity? Let us know your thoughts below.
