The Tense Final Hours of the Lane Kiffin Era at Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss to LSU unfolded through weeks of secret negotiations that culminated in a bitter confrontation at the Oxford airport as fans and administrators felt betrayed.

After LSU fired Brian Kelly on October 26 and Florida dismissed Billy Napier, both programs pursued Kiffin, but Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin's insistence on a general manager reporting separately from the coach proved a non starter.

LSU took the opposite approach, telling Kiffin it would fund whatever he wanted, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry personally called to pitch the job.

Ole Miss leaders, including athletic director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce, learned he was leaving during a tense meeting at the chancellor's house on November 30 and refused to let him coach the Rebels through the College Football Playoff.

Kiffin agreed to a seven year contract with LSU worth more than $13 million annually, with an escalator clause that would make him the highest paid coach in the country if he wins a national title.

Ole Miss elevated defensive coordinator Pete Golding to lead the playoff run, while LSU welcomed Kiffin like a conquering hero with a police motorcycle escort through Baton Rouge.