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Despite the bridges still smoldering in Oxford, Lane Kiffin has quickly shifted gears and begun recruiting for his new team at LSU.
Just after his contentious departure from Ole Miss on Sunday, the newly appointed Tigers coach didn’t waste any time in meeting with Lamar Brown, who is not only LSU’s top recruit for 2026 but also the nation’s leading prospect as a defensive tackle.
In a video released by WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, Kiffin was captured standing beside Brown outside his new office. With fans chanting “LSU,” Kiffin raised his arms in triumph, clearly embracing his new role.
The 50-year-old coach wore a broad smile as he pointed out various things to Brown. The local news outlet noted that Brown’s mother and Kiffin’s son, Knox, were present during this significant meeting.
Lamar Brown, who hails from Baton Rouge and is ESPN’s top-ranked player, shared a photo of himself with Kiffin on Sunday evening at 7:16 p.m. ET. He captioned the image with a warm welcome: “Welcome Home @Lane_Kiffin #GeauxTigers.”
Recruiting is the lifeline for any college football coach, so it’s not surprising that Kiffin’s hectic multi-state day would include him showing his new prized recruit some attention.
Brown committed to the previous regime led by Brian Kelly in July, per ESPN, but it seems that he’s not letting the change in leadership affect where he plans to play ball next season.
LSU has the No. 15 recruiting class, per 247, although that could improve with Kiffin running the show.
For Kiffin, it’s full steam ahead after his controversial exit from Ole Miss.
Kiffin opted to leave one SEC program for another, making his decision Sunday after attempting to negotiate with the school to allow him to coach the Rebels in the College Football Playoff.
Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter rebuffed that request, leading to Kiffin bashing his ex-boss on his way out.
“After a lot of prayer and time spent with family, I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU,” Kiffin wrote in a statement announcing his decision. “I was hoping to complete a historic six season run with this year’s team by leading Ole Miss through the playoffs, capitalizing on the team’s incredible success and their commitment to finish strong, and investing everything into a playoff run with guardrails in place to protect the program in any areas of concern.
“My request to do so was denied by Keith Carter despite the team also asking him to allow me to keep coaching them so they could better maintain their high level of performance. Unfortunately, that means Friday’s Egg Bowl was my last game coaching the Rebels.”
Ole Miss fans then gave Kiffin a villain’s greeting when he boarded a plane to Louisiana, although he received a hero’s welcome once he landed in Baton Rouge.
He now will try to replicate the success he had in Oxford, where he went 55-19 over six seasons and built a team that will have a chance to win a national title this season.
