Ole Miss AD Keith Carter issues announcement regarding Lane Kiffin’s future

OXFORD, Miss. — Following a meeting Friday with head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter issued a statement regarding Kiffin’s future with the Rebels. It appears Ole Miss fans may not know the ultimate outcome until the day after the Egg Bowl.

Many had hoped today’s meeting would lead to some sort of announced resolution; however, that isn’t the case.

Keith Carter

Let’s lock in and focus on keeping the Golden Egg! pic.twitter.com/5xPfDozhl2

— Keith Carter (@KeithCarterOM) November 21, 2025

Kiffin has been pursued by both LSU and Florida, with his family taking visits to both Gainesville and Baton Rouge. Each of those programs has, at various times, indicated it’s a “done deal” with the Ole Miss coach.

So what does Carter’s statement mean? It means — unless and until something leaks out or breaks otherwise — Lane Kiffin is still the head coach of Ole Miss and will be the coach for next Friday’s Egg Bowl in Starkville. But after that, it’s anybody’s guess. Carter’s indication is fans will know something the day after the game against Mississippi State.

Honestly, we had hoped for more, for something of a resolution that would give a modicum of peace one way or another to the players and staff who have put their heart and soul into this 10-1 season. Keep in mind, reportedly Carter made it clear to Kiffin and his representatives that if the coach is leaving, he would not be on the sidelines for the college football playoffs should the Rebels, as anticipated, make the post season hunt for a national title.

So, now Rebels must wait a little longer. Wait and endure another week of speculation, listen to talking heads give their opinions, scour message boards, and try and decipher cryptic Kiffin posts on X.

But the good news is during this additional week of limbo, there are leaders on this Ole Miss football team who flat out won’t quit.  You can bet they’ll give all they have next Friday in the Egg Bowl to try and reach a program-best 11-1 record in the regular season. There are also Rebel assistant coaches who will put their players first and do all they can to help their players finish out this remarkable season. And, last, but certainly not least, Ole Miss fans will show up in Starkville to support their team — because that’s what Rebels do.

And, keep in mind, if the three-team parlay consisting of Ole Miss, Texas, and Auburn hits on the final weekend, the Rebels will be playng in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta — with or without Lane Kiffin.

Yes, Ole Miss, regardless of the up-and-down of this Kiffin drama, has a bright future. Lane Kiffin might stay; Lane Kiffin might go — but Keith Carter, Chancellor Glenn Boyce, Walker Jones, the Grove Collective and the thousands upon thousands of Ole Miss fans will remain, and that’s a lot of critical pieces for a great future.

Maybe RealTree Vice President Tyler Jordan, an Ole Miss alum and fan, said it best in his tweet following the announcement by Carter:

One goal – Win the 🥚 Bowl. Turn off social media and go win the darn game. If y’all can be there for this historic season we’re having, please show up on Friday. These players @OleMissFB deserve our support. Go Rebs! #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/ZlIHxjCHFV

— Tyler Jordan (@TylerJordan) November 21, 2025

We will keep you updated as news breaks.