Challenges in the Life of Lane Kiffin in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Lane Kiffin. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Lane Kiffin is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at Ole Miss. He has a notable career, including assistant coaching roles at USC from 2001-2006. Kiffin transitioned to head coaching positions, leading the Oakland Raiders (2007-2008), the University of Tennessee (2009), and USC again from 2010-2013. His career has been marked by both success and controversy, but he remains a prominent figure in college football.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2004: BCS Stripped USC of 2004 Title

In 2004, the BCS stripped USC of its title, though USC still retained the 2003 and 2004 AP National Championships.

2005: Bush Ineligible, Wins Vacated

In June 2010, the NCAA retroactively declared Reggie Bush ineligible for the entire 2005 season, and forced USC to vacate all of its 2005 wins.

January 25, 2008: Report of Davis Trying to Force Kiffin to Resign

On January 25, 2008, ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reported that Al Davis tried to force Lane Kiffin to resign after his first season ended with a 4-12 record. Kiffin refused to comment.

September 15, 2008: Report of Davis Unhappy with Kiffin

On September 15, 2008, NBC Sports reported that Al Davis was unhappy with Lane Kiffin and intended to fire him.

September 30, 2008: Kiffin Fired by Raiders

On September 30, 2008, Lane Kiffin was fired by Al Davis over the telephone. Davis called Kiffin "a flat-out liar" and said he was guilty of "bringing disgrace to the organization."

June 2010: NCAA Sanctions Against USC

In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions against the USC football program due to a "lack of institutional control" following an investigation into Reggie Bush's acceptance of financial benefits. The sanctions included a two-year postseason ban, the loss of 30 scholarships, and the vacating of wins in which Bush played, including the 2005 Orange Bowl.

June 2010: NCAA Declares Bush Ineligible

In June 2010, the NCAA retroactively declared Reggie Bush ineligible for the entire 2005 season, and forced USC to vacate all of its 2005 wins.

November 15, 2010: Arbitrator Rules Davis Had Cause to Fire Kiffin

On November 15, 2010, an arbitrator ruled that Al Davis did indeed have cause to fire Lane Kiffin in 2008.

2010: First Season at USC and NCAA Sanctions

In 2010, Lane Kiffin's first season at USC, the Trojans finished with an 8–5 record but were ineligible for post-season play due to NCAA sanctions. Several players transferred due to an NCAA exception, and USC played with only 71 scholarship players.

May 26, 2011: NCAA Sanctions Upheld Against USC

On May 26, 2011, the NCAA's Appeals Committee upheld the sanctions against USC, preventing the football team from participating in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game or a bowl game during the 2011–12 season.

2012: Controversy over USA Today Coaches' Poll

In 2012, Kiffin became a voting member of the USA Today Coaches' Poll but resigned after one vote due to controversy over his preseason selection of USC as No. 1. The Trojans finished the season unranked after starting as the top team.

September 28, 2013: Kiffin Fired as USC Head Coach

On September 28, 2013, Lane Kiffin was fired as USC's head coach after a 62–41 loss to Arizona State. He was dismissed by Athletics Director Pat Haden at Los Angeles International Airport. Ed Orgeron took over as interim coach.