Ole Miss Rebels football coach Lane Kiffin has never claimed he isn't interested in the Florida Gators, or any other SEC school that's become available. Kiffin has shifted the focus to this season, but he's never tried to pull the wool over anyone's eyes.
USA Today's Blake Toppmeyer appreciates Kiffin for being one of the head coaches who isn't lying about the possibility of going elsewhere, and actually addressed rumors surrounding his exit from Oxford, Mississippi, this offseason.
"Lane Kiffin, the hottest name in the coaching carousel, has abstained from the loyalty pledges," Toppmeyer prefaced before saying, "His No. 7 Mississippi Rebels will host Florida this weekend in the Kiffin Bowl. Everyone from Steve Spurrier to Gators interim coach Billy Gonzales has endorsed Kiffin’s acumen. He remains a top candidate for Florida."
The Washington Huskies' Jedd Fisch was eviscerated for his coach-speak, while Toppmeyer went a bit easier on the USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' Brent Key. All three committed loyalty to their programs. Kiffin did not.
Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter committed loyalty to Kiffin, though.
“Our hope is to finish this season really strong and hold on to him for a long time here,” Carter told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. “He can build a legacy here that he might not have the opportunity to do at other places.”
Kiffin will have full foundational support wherever he goes. The LSU Tigers are the highest-ceiling spender, but there is an emotional pull to Gainesville to be the next Steve Spurrier. Kiffin's already accepted a deal with the Auburn Tigers, though he reneged, leading to Hugh Freeze. Then, there's the foundation already laid in Lafayette County, MS.
He has his pick of the litter. But what does Kiffin want deep down? It feels like we can't know the answer to that question until we see the conclusion of the Rebs' campaign. It's College Football Playoff or bust. And you have to wonder how far he needs to go in the CFP to know that he doesn't have to go anywhere to win big.