Swallow Your Pride This Offseason, Lane Kiffin

Lane Kiffin has built a reputation as one of the sharpest offensive minds in college football. His ability to craft explosive offenses and develop quarterbacks has made him a sought-after coach at every stop in his career. But as he enters another pivotal offseason at Ole Miss, one thing is clear—pride might be getting in the way of progress.

The Rebels finished the 2024 season with eight wins, a respectable number, but considering the talent they had on the roster, it feels like a massive underachievement. The Ole Miss collective went all-in, giving Kiffin arguably the best roster he has ever had, yet the results did not match the expectations. And now, as roster decisions are being made, the program is inexplicably letting go of one of the best running backs in the country—one who is tailor-made for the offensive system they run.

If Lane Kiffin wants to take Ole Miss to the next level, it’s time to swallow his pride, reflect on the shortcomings of this past season, and make the right moves this offseason.

The Collective Did Their Job—Did Kiffin?

In today’s era of college football, success is no longer just about X’s and O’s. The transfer portal and NIL collectives have completely changed the landscape, and schools that effectively use these resources have a massive advantage. The Ole Miss collective stepped up in a big way, providing Kiffin with a roster that had more depth and talent than any he had previously coached in Oxford.

The offense had a dynamic quarterback, weapons in the passing game, and an elite running back perfectly suited for their scheme. The defense, which has often been the Achilles’ heel of Kiffin’s teams, was upgraded with key portal additions. On paper, this should have been a team that contended for an SEC Championship, yet they failed to reach that level.

So, the question is—was the problem really the roster, or was it something else?

The Decision to Let a Star Running Back Walk

One of the most baffling decisions this offseason has been the apparent choice to part ways with one of the best running backs in the country. Ole Miss runs a system that thrives on explosive plays from the running back position, and this particular player was dominant in that role. His combination of vision, burst, and ability to create big plays made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Yet, despite his production and clear fit within the offense, he’s not being prioritized. Why? Is it a financial issue? Doubtful, considering the resources available. Is it a personality clash? Even if there were some internal disagreements, is it really worth losing a game-changing talent over pride?

This is where great coaches separate themselves. The best leaders in sports know when to put personal feelings aside and do what is best for the team. If Nick Saban can adapt his philosophy to keep up with modern offenses, and if Kirby Smart can continuously evolve his approach at Georgia, then there’s no reason Kiffin can’t find a way to make things work with a proven star running back.

A Wasted Opportunity?

Ole Miss fans are right to feel frustrated. The past few seasons have shown glimpses of what the program could be, but there’s been a consistent pattern of underperformance when it matters most. Instead of breaking through as a legitimate SEC title contender, the Rebels seem stuck in a cycle of being good, but not great.

The biggest hurdle isn’t talent—it’s decision-making and adaptability. Kiffin has always been a coach who does things his way, often with a sense of defiance toward traditional approaches. In many cases, that’s been his strength. His ability to be innovative and push boundaries is why his offenses have been so effective.

But there’s a difference between being bold and being stubborn.

If Kiffin wants to truly elevate Ole Miss into the elite tier of the SEC, he has to recognize when he’s getting in his own way. This is one of those moments.

What Needs to Happen Next

There’s still time to right the ship this offseason. The first step is to acknowledge that last season’s results were not acceptable given the talent level. The second step is to retain and prioritize the key playmakers who give the team the best chance to win. That includes making the necessary adjustments to keep elite talent in Oxford, even if it requires swallowing some pride.

If Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss let this opportunity slip away, it won’t be because of a lack of resources. It won’t be because of a lack of talent. It will be because of decisions like this—decisions that prioritize control over winning.

Kiffin has a chance to prove that he’s more than just a great offensive mind. He can show that he’s capable of making the tough but necessary choices to build a championship contender. But if he sticks to the same approach, 8-4 seasons will continue to be the ceiling for this program.

So, @Lane_Kiffin, it’s time to swallow your pride. Make the right moves. Because if you don’t, Ole Miss fans will be left wondering what could have been—again.