Here’s what Lane Kiffin had to say on the SEC Coaches Weekly Media Teleconference
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin participated in this week’s SEC Coaches Weekly Media Teleconference Wednesday and was quickly asked about his quarterback competition.
He didn’t give any insight as to whether returning starter Jaxson Dart or Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders will get the nod, instead choosing to comment on the depth the Rebels currently enjoys at the position.
“We’re excited about that room, adding so many numbers in the offseason, really from one to four. It’s been really competitive and the future looks bright. We’re excited to have two returning starters that have played in really big games. That’s a great situation to be in.”
Lane Kiffin
Kiffin was also asked about his star running back Quinshon Judkins and how he is able to deal with all the accolades and attention he is receiving — being named to every preseason All-America list out there.
“He’s really matured and has taken the next step on and off the field. It’s a lot to handle,” Kiffin explained about Judkins.
He continued with a reference to Netflix’s cautionary tale of former A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. “It’s funny you (the beat writer) bring that up as the Johnny Football special is released. It’s just a remainder of how hard it is at that age to handle success. He’s done a great job with that.”
A reporter calling in also asked Kiffin to give some insight into his offensive philosophy, to which he answered that one key he believes in is adjusting his scheme to the players, not vice versa.
Coach Kiffin on his offense: "I think that we change a lot based off our players, schematically, on offense, and do the best thing for the players as opposed to 'this is our system and they have to fit into it.'"
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) August 30, 2023
“We change a lot based on our players with schematics offensively, trying to do the best thing for the players, as opposed to ‘this is our system and you have to fit into it.’ That’s exciting every year not to look the same.”
One caller also queried Kiffin about the addition of safeties coach Wes Neighbors to the staff.
“We’re familiar with (Coach Neighbors) from Alabama and FAU. (We’re) excited to bring him back. He has great knowledge and has been a good fit with Coach Pete Golding with their backgrounds and similar defenses learning at Alabama so that’s been great.”
Coach Kiffin on safeties coach Wes Neighbors
Kiffin discussed the Rebels season-opening opponent, Mercer. The Bears beat North Alabama last weekend, 17-7, in the FCS Kickoff game.
“Just like the year before, they play really hard and really aggressive,” Kiffin noted. “They are very well-coached. They give you problems formational offensively. On defense they play hard, not complicated, but they know exactly what they’re doing.”
Next Up
Ole Miss and Mercer kick off September 2 at 1:00 p.m. (CT). The game will stream on SECN+/ESPN+.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
