How the College Football Playoff Could Impact Ole Miss if Lane Kiffin Leaves
Lane Kiffin examines his future as Ole Miss faces a critical decision. Kiffin’s move may impact the No. 6 Rebels’ playoff chances. Before Friday’s Egg Bowl game against Mississippi State, everyone wonders if Kiffin will stay at Ole Miss or take offers from LSU and Florida.
Some wonder how the CFP will function without Kiffin. Not everyone thought Ole Miss would make the playoffs. Experts doubt playoffs will be banned. 12 teams compete in the playoffs, up from 4. This gives Ole Miss a better chance than in 2023, when Florida State lost due to a quarterback injury.
Experts expect the committee to drop Ole Miss one or two positions without Kiffin. A 10-1 record makes it unlikely the Rebels will lose their head coach, which would be disastrous. Despite being farther away, the team may make the playoffs without its head coach.
Kiffin reportedly received a $98 million, seven-year LSU contract. The highest-paid college football coach. Florida’s involvement puts Kiffin under additional pressure to decide. Analysts dispute student-athlete fairness because they can’t replace teachers.
Former Alabama and LSU coach Nick Saban commentates on ESPN. He addressed college football’s issues. Saban said athletes shouldn’t be punished for coaches’ and officials’ game time and coach hiring decisions. He suggested relocating college football practices from spring to summer to accommodate school and coach changes.
Saban said NFL managers cannot leave midseason. He advised college football adopt the same requirements to sustain and safeguard players. “Players should finish the season with their coach,” said. Saban: Don’t punish immutable things.
As the ruling deadline approaches, Ole Miss players and fans hope for stability. Despite Kiffin’s opinion, the committee will decide the Rebels’ playoff fate. Coaching, playoff, and player interests all coming together at crucial times show how difficult college football has become.
Sources:
ESPN College Football Coverage
CBSSports College Football News
College Football Playoff Official Guidelines
