Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lane Kiffin

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

Public opinion and media debates around Lane Kiffin—discover key moments of controversy.

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

2004: USC Stripped of 2004 Title

In 2011, The BCS stripped USC of the 2004 title, though USC still retains the 2003 and 2004 AP National Championships.

2005: USC Wins Vacated

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

2005: USC Wins BCS National Championship

In 2005, the USC Trojans, with Reggie Bush, won the BCS National Championship. However, the NCAA later vacated this win due to Bush's ineligibility.

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.

December 15, 2008: Cable Lashes Out at Kiffin

On December 15, 2008, Raiders head coach Tom Cable lashed out at Lane Kiffin for hiring one of his assistants with two weeks remaining in the NFL season.

February 5, 2009: Accusations Against Urban Meyer

On February 5, 2009, Lane Kiffin accused Urban Meyer of violating NCAA recruiting rules.

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: Student Riots at Tennessee

In 2010, hundreds of students rioted on campus at the University of Tennessee following the news of Lane Kiffin's departure for USC.

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.