Ole Miss Rebels Football Coaches: Lane Kiffin & Staff Updates

Carey Jast 13 May 2025

Is the Ole Miss Rebels football program on the cusp of a new era of dominance? The recent success under head coach Lane Kiffin, coupled with a renewed focus on offensive prowess and player development, suggests that the Rebels are poised to challenge for championships and consistently rank among the nation's elite.

The Ole Miss Rebels, representing the University of Mississippi, have a storied history in college football. Competing in the West Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Rebels have a passionate fanbase and a legacy of memorable moments. Their participation in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision underscores their commitment to top-tier competition. The program's coaching lineage is extensive, with 38 head coaches guiding the team since its inception in 1893. The coaching staff is pivotal in molding the team's trajectory.

Category	Details
Full Name	Lane Monte Kiffin
Date of Birth	May 9, 1975
Place of Birth	Columbus, Ohio, USA
Education	Fresno State University
Current Position	Head Football Coach, Ole Miss Rebels
Previous Coaching Positions (Highlights)	Offensive Coordinator, USC Trojans (2005-2006) Head Coach, Oakland Raiders (2007-2008) Head Coach, USC Trojans (2010-2013) Offensive Coordinator, Alabama Crimson Tide (2014-2016) Head Coach, Florida Atlantic Owls (2017-2019)
Key Achievements/Recognition	He is experiencing his best seasons as a head coach in recent years. Developed offenses that led the SEC in total offense multiple times.
Coaching Style	Known for innovative offensive strategies, emphasizing high-scoring games.
Known For	His offensive play-calling and ability to transform programs
Reference	Official Ole Miss Athletics Website

The coaching staff at Ole Miss has undergone various transitions over the years. In Oxford, the 2020 coaching staff, finalized by Lane Kiffin, marked a significant point in the program's development. These staffs are crucial for the team to win games and maintain a competitive edge within the SEC. Since 2011, there have been changes within the staff.

The program's evolution, including the impact of coaching staff decisions, has been observed over several seasons. It's important to understand how the coaching staff has evolved the program.

The Rebels' offensive prowess is a significant aspect of their game. In 2022, Jake Thornton, the offensive line coach, received a salary increase, reflecting the importance of his role in developing a strong offensive unit. Thornton's rise in compensation, from $250,000 in 2021 to $300,000 in 2022 and $325,000 in 2023, mirrors the program's commitment to excellence.

One name that resonates deeply within the football landscape is Ed Orgeron. Having previously coached at Ole Miss from 2005 to 2007, and after the 2016 season until the 2021 season at Louisiana State University (LSU), Orgeron has a proven track record of success, winning 190 games, three national championships, and six SEC championships. His experience and expertise are valued in the coaching community.

The 2022 season showcased the Rebels' potential, with the team finishing ranked No. 11 in both the AP and AFCA Coaches Polls, their highest final ranking since 2016. This success highlights the effective coaching and player development under Kiffin. The Rebels' offensive philosophy is a key factor in this recent success. Kiffin's offensive schemes have consistently ranked the Rebels among the top teams in the SEC.

In February 2019, the NCAA penalized the Ole Miss football team due to recruiting violations, stemming from the tenure of previous coaches. While past transgressions have cast a shadow on the program, the focus is now on building a clean and successful future. The current coaching staff must work to ensure adherence to NCAA regulations while continuing to attract top talent and develop them into successful players.

The foundation for success is being laid by a dedicated coaching staff. The roles of strength and conditioning coaches, assistant coaches, and the head coach are all pivotal. The contributions of the support staff are essential for success.

Kiffin's influence extends beyond the X's and O's. His experience leading different programs, including the USC Trojans and the Oakland Raiders, has equipped him with invaluable insights into team management. Kiffin is navigating the complexities of modern college football.

The Rebels' offensive strategies have been a significant contributor to the team's wins. The team's performance under Kiffin reflects the potential to contend for championships.

The modern era of Ole Miss football can be traced back to 1947, when Johnny Vaught took over. Vaught's legacy remains a benchmark for coaching excellence. Kiffin is the programs most successful coach since Vaught.