Former Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) head coach Lane Kiffin proudly demonstrated his reputation as a transient when he abandoned the young men he recruited to play for him for more riches and resources that Louisiana State University (LSU) afforded. Kiffin split on November 30, 2025, two days after Ole Miss, now 13-1, played their last regular season game and before their current college football playoff (CFP) run, in which they have reached the semifinals, taking on Miami tonight (7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN).
Kiffin will be watching with a newly minted seven-year, $91 million contract. The 50-year-old left the young men of Ole Miss with impunity at one of the most exhilarating and significant periods of their lives. He failed grossly at not repeating the same negative behaviors he displayed in previous coaching jobs. Instead of endeavoring to be a model of ethical and moral principles, Kiffin proved to be solely self-interested.
Juxtapose his story with that of Ole Miss quarterback Trindad Chambliss. A little over one year ago, the lightly recruited high school prospect from Grand Rapids, Mich., was leading Ferris State to the Division II title. He transferred to Ole Miss, accepting a backup role, but was thrust into the QB1 position when then-starter Austin Simmons suffered an ankle injury in the second game of the season. Chambliss never relinquished the spot. From the time he took the field, the
6-1, 205-pounder, blessed with an abundance of fast-twitch muscle fiber, became one of the best players in all of college football. If the 23-year-old leads Ole Miss to a CFP championship, his improbable journey could be adapted into a Disney movie.
Chambliss has exhibited loyalty and character that Kiffin lacks. He has signed a deal to remain with Ole Miss next season if the NCAA, which is inexplicably prolonging its decision, grants Chambliss another year of college eligibility after his filing of a medical redshirt waiver. Chambliss could have commanded $5 million-plus if he had entered the open market college transfer portal — the path that more than 4,000 football players have chosen. Instead, Chambliss has embraced the ethos that his onetime head coach, 27 years his elder, unhesitatingly abdicated.