Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lane Kiffin

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

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

2005: USC Wins BCS National Championship

In 2005, the USC Trojans won the BCS National Championship, a victory that was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions related to Reggie Bush's eligibility.

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."

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, James Cregg, with two weeks remaining in the NFL season.

February 5, 2009: Accusations Against Urban Meyer

On February 5, 2009, during a Tennessee booster breakfast, Lane Kiffin accused Urban Meyer of violating NCAA recruiting rules.

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: Riots at Tennessee

In 2010, Lane Kiffin's departure for USC after just one season as head coach of the Volunteers upset many students and fans of the University of Tennessee, leading to riots on campus.

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: Alshon Jeffery Drafted

In 2012, Alshon Jeffery, who Lane Kiffin allegedly told that he would end up pumping gas if he went to South Carolina, was drafted into the NFL by the Chicago Bears.

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.

July 2021: Defamation Suit Settled

In July 2021, the defamation suit from former coach Todd McNair was settled through mediation. However, the vacated wins from 2005 remained.

November 17, 2025: Ultimatum from Ole Miss Regarding Kiffin's Future

On November 17, 2025, it was reported that Ole Miss gave Kiffin an ultimatum to decide on his future before the season finale against Mississippi State after reports that his family had visited Gainesville and Baton Rouge.