At a Glance
- Lane Kiffin attended the LSU women’s basketball game, drawing cheers.
- He joins the LSU football program after a $9 million to $13 million salary jump.
- The women’s team fell 80-78 to Kentucky, ending a 14-straight-win streak.
- Why it matters: Fans glimpse the new coach’s enthusiasm, LSU’s investment, and the season’s early challenges.
Lane Kiffin’s first night in Baton Rouge was a fan-friendly spectacle as he joined women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey on the court.
Kiffin’s Fan-Friendly Appearance
Kiffin and Mulkey emerged from the tunnel holding hands before the Tigers faced No. 11 Kentucky. Their appearance drew a roar from the crowd, and Mulkey raised her left hand to point at Kiffin while the pair responded by raising their joined hands in the air.
Kim Mulkey said:
> “He was very gracious to come over here and let the LSU fans acknowledge him. They have the (transfer) portal opening tomorrow, so I know he’s working. I appreciated him coming.”
Mulkey’s squad lost its first game of the season after starting with 14 straight wins, 80-78, when Kentucky’s Tonie Morgan hit a last-second 3-pointer.
Salary and Contract Details
Kiffin’s annual salary at Ole Miss was $9 million. LSU offered him a seven-year contract with an average annual salary of around $13 million and pledged ample financial backing to pay players.
| Team | Salary |
|---|---|
| Ole Miss | $9 million |
| LSU | $13 million |
Coaching Transition and Team Performance
Kiffin is taking over for Brian Kelly, who was fired midseason after a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M dropped the team to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in the SEC. Kelly went 34-14 with the Tigers, even taking LSU to the 2022 SEC title game, but the program did not qualify for the CFP in his first three seasons.
The Rebels went on to beat the Bulldogs 39-34 in the CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl, while Kiffin expressed a desire to lead LSU through the CFP, though Ole Miss AD Keith Carter denied his request.
Key Takeaways
- Lane Kiffin’s appearance shows his enthusiasm for the new program.
- LSU’s investment in a $13 million contract signals high expectations.
- The women’s basketball loss and early season results highlight challenges ahead.
By Brianna Q. Lockwood for News Of Austin
