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 the head coach at Ole Miss. He gained prominence through assistant coaching roles at USC before becoming the head coach of the Oakland Raiders and later head coach at the University of Tennessee, and USC again. Kiffin's career has been marked by both successes and controversies, solidifying his reputation as a notable figure in college and professional football.

Sections (5)

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

2004: USC Stripped of 2004 Title

In 2011, the BCS stripped USC of the 2004 title following the NCAA sanctions. Although the BCS title was revoked, USC still retains the 2003 and 2004 AP National Championships.

2005: USC Wins Vacated

In 2005, Lane Kiffin helped guide USC to a 23-3 record; however, 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: Davis Tries to Force Resignation

On January 25, 2008, it was reported that Al Davis, the Raiders' owner, tried to force Lane Kiffin to resign after his first season ended with a 4–12 record, but Kiffin refused.

September 15, 2008: Davis Unhappy With Kiffin

On September 15, 2008, it was 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, who called Kiffin a "flat-out liar".

June 2010: NCAA Imposes Sanctions on USC Football Program

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

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 in Favor of Davis

On November 15, 2010, an arbitrator ruled that Al Davis did have cause to fire Lane Kiffin, settling the grievance Kiffin filed against the Raiders.

2010: Kiffin's First Season at USC

In 2010, during Lane Kiffin's first season at USC, the Trojans finished with an 8–5 record. However, they were ineligible for post-season play due to NCAA sanctions. Several players transferred due to an NCAA exception, 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 sanctions against USC, preventing the football team from participating in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game and any bowl game during the 2011-12 season.

2012: Kiffin Resigns from USA Today Coaches' Poll

In 2012, Lane Kiffin resigned from the USA Today Coaches' Poll amidst 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 ranked #1.

September 28, 2013: Kiffin Fired as USC Head Coach

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