Excited Rebels Welcome Coach Kiffin in Celebration at The Pavilion
OXFORD, Miss. — Whether you traveled across the state, across town, or across campus running out of your last final, the destination was the same Monday–The Pavilion for the introduction of Lane Kiffin as the new head coach of Ole Miss Football.
A father who traveled three-and-a-half hours to get there sat behind me with his son, a current student. Lady friends of mine found their way down to my row and filled in the empty seats. The consensus from all the fans who were there as well as those who watched from afar was that we don’t remember the last time (if ever) we were this excited about Ole Miss football!
C’mon ride the train! pic.twitter.com/3eixdUcfUo
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) December 9, 2019
The excitement of a new coach and a renewed sense of pride for Rebel Nation fueled an absolutely electric atmosphere today. The crowd welcomed their new coach with a rowdy Hotty Toddy cheer and a standing ovation.
A short speech from Chancellor Glenn Boyce led to another standing ovation when he turned the stage over to Athletics Director Keith Carter. Carter reiterated the qualities he searched for when choosing the next coach and said that Lane Kiffin checked every box.
This fan personally liked that Carter said more than getting to know his skills, he got to know Kiffin better as a person-the perfect fit for the fans and the program.
A couple of players I spoke to said they were eager to get to work with their new coach. The excitement I saw today is what a unified fan base looks like. Ticket sales will soar, and the stadium will be full again. Hallelujah!
Those were the boxes that I wanted checked. Being an alum and an avid fan who goes to every home game as well as several away, it saddened me to see empty seats in the Vaught this season. I hope the energy I saw today will carry through to September 5 and Houston will not be big enough to hold the Rebel fans!
Welcome to Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin! Hotty Toddy!
