Challenges in the Life of Lane Kiffin in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2026

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

Lane Kiffin is an American football coach with a notable career. He's held head coaching positions at various levels, including the Oakland Raiders (NFL), University of Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic, and Ole Miss. Known for his offensive play-calling and sometimes controversial personality, Kiffin's career has been marked by both successes and challenges. As of 2024 he has become the head coach at LSU, hoping to continue success there.

Sections (5)

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

2005: USC Wins Vacated

In 2005, Lane Kiffin helped guide USC to vacated wins, due to NCAA violations.

January 25, 2008: Report of Davis Attempting to Force Resignation

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.

September 15, 2008: Report of Davis Unhappiness 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.

June 2010: NCAA Imposes Sanctions Against USC

In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions against the USC Trojan football program for a "lack of institutional control" following an investigation into Reggie Bush's eligibility. The sanctions included a two-year postseason ban, the loss of 30 scholarships over three years, and the vacating of wins in which Bush participated as an "ineligible" player.

June 2010: NCAA Declares Reggie Bush Ineligible

In June 2010, the NCAA retroactively declared Reggie Bush ineligible for the entire 2005 season, forcing 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.

2010: Kiffin's First Season at USC

In 2010, Lane Kiffin's first season at USC, the team finished with an 8–5 record but was ineligible for post-season play due to NCAA sanctions. Several players transferred due to a new NCAA guideline, and USC played with a reduced number of scholarship players.

May 26, 2011: NCAA Upholds Sanctions 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 and a bowl game during the 2011-12 season.

2012: Kiffin Resigns from Coaches' Poll Voting

In 2012, Kiffin resigned from the USA Today Coaches' Poll after one vote due to controversy over his preseason selection of USC as No. 1. The Trojans finished the season with a 7-6 record and were unranked after starting the season at #1.

September 28, 2013: Kiffin Fired by USC

On September 28, 2013, after a 62-41 loss to Arizona State, USC Athletics Director Pat Haden fired Lane Kiffin hours after the game. The dismissal occurred at Los Angeles International Airport. Ed Orgeron took over as interim coach.

July 2021: Todd McNair Defamation Suit Settled

In July 2021, the defamation suit from former coach Todd McNair to fight his defamation and to overturn those vacancies was settled through mediation, though the wins remained vacated.