Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin says he expects to return as Rebels coach

Lane Kiffin mentioned he anticipates returning as Ole Miss’ head coach in 2023, even when Auburn affords him the prospect to fill its head-coaching emptiness.

Kiffin was requested about his standing after Thursday’s 24-22 residence loss to Mississippi State within the Egg Bowl, Ole Miss’ third consecutive defeat to finish the common season. Kiffin, who’s in his third yr as Rebels coach, has been considered as one in all Auburn’s high candidates to exchange Bryan Harsin, who was fired Oct. 31.

“Sure, I do,” Kiffin mentioned Thursday when requested if he expects to return to Ole Miss subsequent season.

Sources instructed ESPN’s Chris Low that Kiffin met Tuesday with Ole Miss gamers and instructed them he hasn’t accepted a job at another college. WCBI-TV in Columbus, Mississippi, reported Monday that Kiffin deliberate to step down Friday and take the Auburn job. Kiffin denied the report.

Requested after Thursday’s loss about signing a brand new contract extension at Ole Miss, Kiffin famous that he had signed a number of with the varsity and has been extra centered on the Mississippi State sport. In December 2021, he obtained an enhanced contract with Ole Miss that elevated his wage to $7.25 million this yr.

If Kiffin certainly passes on Auburn, Liberty coach Hugh Freeze is prone to be pursued by the varsity. Freeze is 34-14 at Liberty after teaching Ole Miss from 2012 to 2017, and going 39-25.

Kiffin is 23-12 at Ole Miss and 18-7 the previous two seasons.