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Lane Kiffin has remained in the headlines since abruptly leaving Ole Miss for LSU, and his former players aren’t happy about it.
The LSU head coach was reportedly considering attending Ole Miss’ upset win over Georgia on Thursday night, but opted to attend the LSU women’s basketball game instead. Senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris accused Kiffin of seeking attention.
“He was just trying to steal our shine. That’s all he’s trying to do. That’s all he’s been trying to do, is steal our shine,” Harris said, according to ESPN.
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Lane Kiffin speaks at a news conference as he is introduced as the new football coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 1, 2025. (Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
Harris called Kiffin’s departure, which came after Ole Miss set a program record for wins in a season, “like a slap in the face” and is using his departure as motivation.
“Like a slap and a setback,” Harris said. “He was trying to be a troll. We’re going to troll him. We have something for him.”
Harris played like he was fueled by his former coach, recording a career-high 10 tackles in the 39-34 upset win over Georgia.
LANE KIFFIN TAKES ADVANTAGE AS FORMER OLE MISS TEAM ADVANCES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF WITHOUT HIM
Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris smokes a cigar after a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28, 2025. (IMAGE)
To further complicate matters between Kiffin and Ole Miss, members of the Rebels coaching staff will join Kiffin at LSU after his season ends. With the transfer portal opening Friday, those assistants now have the job of coaching Ole Miss while also recruiting for LSU.
Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator George McDonald and running backs coach Kevin Smith signed contracts to join Kiffin’s coaching staff at LSU.
Some of those assistants may no longer coach at Ole Miss even though the team reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, joining LSU, according to ESPN.
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“Everything has been extremely clear and transparent between Pete Golding and me through constant communication, including a plan throughout this historic championship,” Kiffin said Friday, according to ESPN.
“What an incredible night for all the Ole Miss players, coaches and fans.”
Ole Miss will look to continue its run against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8 at 7:30 pm ET.
