Lane Kiffin is a prominent American football coach best known for his offensive strategies and diverse coaching career. He has served as head coach for the NFL's Oakland Raiders, University of Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans, Florida Atlantic University, and currently, the Ole Miss Rebels. Notably, he holds the record for being the youngest head coach in modern NFL history at the time of his Raiders appointment and was also the youngest BCS Conference team head coach for a period. Kiffin's coaching journey includes a stint as offensive coordinator for the USC Trojans and the University of Alabama.
1946: Start of Modern NFL Era
The modern era of the National Football League (NFL) is generally considered to have begun in 1946.
1963: Historical Precedent: USC's Unranked Finish After Being Ranked No. 1
USC's unranked finish in 2012, after being ranked No. 1 preseason, was the first such occurrence since 1963, highlighting the rarity and disappointment of the Trojans' season.
1969: John Madden Becomes Raiders Head Coach
John Madden, at the age of 32, was appointed as the head coach of the Raiders by Al Davis.
1970: AFL-NFL Merger
The American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) merged in 1970.
May 9, 1975: Lane Kiffin's Birth
Lane Monte Kiffin was born on May 9, 1975.
1994: High School Graduation and College Commitment
Lane Kiffin graduated from Bloomington Jefferson High School in Minnesota and committed to playing college football at Fresno State University.
1998: Graduation from Fresno State
Lane Kiffin graduated from Fresno State University.
1999: Coaching at Colorado State and Jacksonville Jaguars
Lane Kiffin worked as a graduate assistant at Colorado State University, where the Rams played in the Liberty Bowl. He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a quality control assistant.
2001: USC Staff Member
Lane Kiffin began his tenure with the University of Southern California (USC) football program as a staff member.
2002: USC Wide Receivers Coach
Lane Kiffin took on the role of wide receivers coach at USC.
2003: USC Retains 2003 AP National Championship
Despite the sanctions and the loss of the 2004 BCS title, USC retained the AP National Championship for 2003.
2004: BCS Strips USC of 2004 Title
Adding to the impact of the sanctions, the BCS stripped USC of its 2004 title. However, USC retained the AP National Championships for both 2003 and 2004.
2004: Passing Game Coordinator at USC
Lane Kiffin's responsibilities at USC expanded as he became the passing game coordinator.
2005: Vacation of 2005 Orange Bowl Victory
As part of the NCAA sanctions, USC was stripped of their victory in the 2005 Orange Bowl, where they had won the BCS National Championship, due to Reggie Bush's ineligibility.
2005: USC Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator
Lane Kiffin served as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for USC. His team achieved notable success, setting school records for points and yards per game.
2005: Offensive Powerhouse: USC's Remarkable Feat Under Kiffin
USC achieved a rare offensive feat in 2011, boasting two 1,000-yard receivers, a 1,000-yard rusher, and a 3,000-yard passer. This marked the first time USC accomplished this since 2005, a season where Kiffin served as the offensive coordinator, highlighting his offensive prowess.
2006: Continued Success at USC
Kiffin continued his role as offensive coordinator at USC, leading the Trojans to impressive offensive statistics and a Rose Bowl victory.
January 23, 2007: Hired as Raiders Head Coach
Al Davis, the owner of the Raiders, hired Lane Kiffin as the head coach on January 23, 2007, making him the youngest in the team's history and in the NFL's modern era.
August 12, 2007: First Preseason Win
Lane Kiffin secured his first victory as an NFL head coach in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 12, 2007.
September 23, 2007: First Regular Season Win
Lane Kiffin achieved his first regular season win as an NFL head coach on September 23, 2007, when the Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns.
2007: Oakland Raiders Head Coach
Lane Kiffin was hired as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders on January 23, 2007, making him the youngest head coach in the team's history and the youngest in the NFL at the time.
January 25, 2008: Reported Pressure to Resign
ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reported on January 25, 2008, that Raiders owner Al Davis attempted to pressure Lane Kiffin into resigning after a 4-12 season, a claim denied by the Raiders, with Kiffin declining to comment.
September 15, 2008: Reports of Unhappiness and Potential Firing
On September 15, 2008, reports surfaced that Al Davis, the owner of the Oakland Raiders, was unhappy with Lane Kiffin's performance as head coach and intended to fire him.
September 30, 2008: Firing by the Oakland Raiders
On September 30, 2008, Al Davis fired Lane Kiffin from his position as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Davis publicly criticized Kiffin, accusing him of lying and damaging the organization's reputation.
November 28, 2008: Announcement as Tennessee Volunteers Head Coach
On November 28, 2008, multiple media outlets reported that Lane Kiffin would become the next head football coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, succeeding Phillip Fulmer.
November 30, 2008: Signing of Contract with Tennessee
On November 30, 2008, Lane Kiffin officially signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Tennessee, solidifying his role as the head football coach.
December 1, 2008: Formal Introduction at Tennessee
On December 1, 2008, the University of Tennessee officially introduced Lane Kiffin as their 21st head football coach during a news conference.
December 15, 2008: Dispute Over Assistant Coach Hiring
On December 15, 2008, Tom Cable, then head coach of the Oakland Raiders, criticized Lane Kiffin for hiring his assistant coach, James Cregg, while the NFL season was still ongoing. Cable deemed the timing inappropriate and expressed his disapproval to Kiffin.
2008: FAU Achieves First Winning Season Since 2008 Under Kiffin
Under Kiffin's guidance, FAU achieved its first winning season since 2008, a significant milestone that showcased the immediate impact he had on the program and its potential for future success.
2008: Previous Season's Record as Comparison
In 2008, prior to Lane Kiffin's arrival, the Tennessee Volunteers finished the season with a 5-7 record.
2008: End of Season and Offseason Plans
At the end of the 2008 season, Kiffin expressed his intentions to make changes during the offseason, despite rumors of his interest in college football coaching positions.
February 4, 2009: Tom Cable Named Permanent Head Coach
On February 4, 2009, Tom Cable, who had been serving as the interim head coach of the Oakland Raiders following Lane Kiffin's firing, was appointed as the team's permanent head coach.
February 5, 2009: Accusation Against Urban Meyer
On February 5, 2009, during a Tennessee booster breakfast, Lane Kiffin publicly accused Urban Meyer, then the head coach of the Florida Gators, of violating NCAA recruiting rules.
2009: Improved Record in First Season at Tennessee
In 2009, Lane Kiffin guided the Tennessee Volunteers to a 7-6 record, showing improvement from their 5-7 record in the previous season.
2009: Start of Tenure at Tennessee
Lane Kiffin began his tenure as the head football coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers in 2009.
2009: Tennessee Volunteers Head Coach
Lane Kiffin served as the head coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
2009: Start of Contract and Salary Details
Lane Kiffin's contract with the University of Tennessee commenced in 2009 with a salary of $2 million and potential performance bonuses.
January 12, 2010: Return to USC as Head Coach
On January 12, 2010, Lane Kiffin rejoined the University of Southern California (USC) as their head coach, filling the vacancy left by Pete Carroll's departure to the NFL.
June 2010: NCAA Sanctions Against USC
In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions on USC, including vacating wins from the 2005 season, due to Reggie Bush's ineligibility.
June 2010: NCAA Sanctions Against USC
In June 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions on the USC Trojan football program following a four-year investigation into allegations of improper benefits received by former running back Reggie Bush. The penalties included a two-year postseason ban, scholarship reductions, and the vacation of wins in which Bush participated as an ineligible player.
November 15, 2010: Arbitrator Rules in Favor of Raiders
On November 15, 2010, an arbitrator ruled that Al Davis had valid grounds to fire Lane Kiffin from the Oakland Raiders in 2008.
2010: Departure for USC During Recruiting Season
During the 2010 recruiting season, Lane Kiffin left the University of Tennessee to accept the head coaching position at the University of Southern California after Pete Carroll's departure to the NFL.
2010: Student Protests Following Departure
Lane Kiffin's departure from the University of Tennessee in 2010 after just one season sparked outrage and disappointment among students and fans. Hundreds of students participated in protests on campus, expressing their frustration over his sudden exit.
2010: NCAA Sanctions and Player Exodus at USC
In 2010, Lane Kiffin's first season at USC was marked by NCAA sanctions stemming from violations during Pete Carroll's tenure. The Trojans finished 8-5 but were ineligible for postseason play. The NCAA's transfer exception, dubbed "free agency" by Kiffin, allowed several USC players to transfer without sitting out a year, further depleting the roster. USC played the season with only 71 scholarship players.
2010: Buyout Clause Details for Early Termination
If Lane Kiffin's contract with the University of Tennessee were to be terminated in 2009 or 2010, the school would be obligated to pay him $7.5 million as part of a buyout clause.
2010: USC Head Coach
Lane Kiffin returned to USC as the head coach.
May 26, 2011: USC's Appeal Denied, Ineligible for Postseason Again
On May 26, 2011, the NCAA denied USC's appeal against the sanctions imposed on the football program. As a result, USC was ineligible for the Pac-12 Championship and bowl games for the second consecutive season.
October 2011: Statement on Al Davis's Death
In October 2011, following the death of Al Davis, Lane Kiffin released a statement expressing his condolences and acknowledging the opportunity Davis had given him as the Raiders' head coach, despite their contentious history.
2012: Decrease in Buyout Clause Amount
After the 2012 season, the buyout clause in Lane Kiffin's contract with the University of Tennessee decreased to $5 million.
2012: Kiffin's Controversial Preseason Ranking and USC's Disappointing Season
In 2012, Lane Kiffin's tenure at USC was marked by controversy when he was revealed to have voted USC as the No. 1 team in the Coaches' Poll, despite publicly stating he wouldn't. This sparked criticism and raised questions about his judgment. The Trojans, ranked No. 1 preseason, finished unranked after a disappointing 7-6 season, a first since 1963.
2012: Controversial Remark to Alshon Jeffery
Lane Kiffin was involved in a controversy when he allegedly made a disrespectful remark to wide receiver recruit Alshon Jeffery, suggesting that Jeffery would end up "pumping gas" if he chose to play for the University of South Carolina. Jeffery went on to have a successful NFL career, including winning Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles.
September 28, 2013: Lane Kiffin Fired by USC After Tumultuous Tenure
On September 28, 2013, following a string of losses and mounting pressure, Lane Kiffin was fired as USC's head coach. The decision came after a 62-41 loss to Arizona State, dropping Kiffin's record to 4-7 in his last eleven games. Athletic Director Pat Haden informed Kiffin of his dismissal at the airport, leaving him behind as the team bus returned to campus. Assistant coach Ed Orgeron stepped in as interim head coach.
December 2013: Kiffin Assists Alabama Crimson Tide
In December 2013, prior to his official hiring, Lane Kiffin spent eight days in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reviewing the Crimson Tide's offense, showcasing his willingness to contribute and learn even while not formally employed.
2013: End of Tenure at USC
Lane Kiffin's time as head coach at USC came to an end.
January 9, 2014: Kiffin Interview for Alabama Offensive Coordinator Role
Following his departure from USC, Lane Kiffin interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator position at Alabama on January 9, 2014, after Michigan hired Alabama's previous coordinator, Doug Nussmeier. This opportunity marked a potential turning point in Kiffin's career.
2014: Kiffin Nominated for Broyles Award
In 2014, Lane Kiffin's contributions as Alabama's offensive coordinator earned him recognition as a finalist for the Broyles Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top college football assistant coach. This nomination underscored Kiffin's coaching abilities and his successful transition to a new role after his time at USC.
2014: Alabama Offensive Coordinator
Lane Kiffin began working as the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama.
2014: Contract End Date and Salary Increase
Lane Kiffin's contract with the University of Tennessee was set to run through 2014, with his salary gradually increasing to $2.75 million by the end of the agreement.
February 28, 2016: Lane Kiffin and Layla Reaves Announce Separation
On February 28, 2016, Lane Kiffin and his wife, Layla Reaves, announced their decision to separate and pursue a divorce.
December 12, 2016: Kiffin Accepts Head Coaching Job at Florida Atlantic University
On December 12, 2016, Lane Kiffin took on a new challenge, accepting the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This opportunity marked a chance for Kiffin to rebuild his career and demonstrate his coaching abilities at a program seeking success.
2016: Florida Atlantic Head Coach
Lane Kiffin accepted the position of head coach at Florida Atlantic University.
January 2, 2017: Kiffin Leaves Alabama, Replaced by Steve Sarkisian
On January 2, 2017, in a surprising turn of events, Lane Kiffin was relieved of his duties as Alabama's offensive coordinator, just three weeks after accepting the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic. Steve Sarkisian, another former USC head coach and Kiffin's successor at that job, replaced him.
December 19, 2017: FAU Extends Kiffin's Contract After Remarkable Turnaround
Following a remarkable turnaround season at FAU, culminating in a Conference USA championship, Kiffin's contract was extended for ten years on December 19, 2017, a testament to his leadership and the program's faith in his ability to build a winning culture.
2017: Sean McVay Becomes Youngest NFL Head Coach
Sean McVay became the youngest head coach in the NFL, surpassing Lane Kiffin's previous record.
December 6, 2019: Reports of Kiffin to Ole Miss
On December 6, 2019, reports emerged that Lane Kiffin was in talks to become the head coach at Ole Miss.
December 2019: Ole Miss Head Coach
Lane Kiffin became the head coach at Ole Miss in December 2019.
2019: Kiffin Leads FAU to Second C-USA Championship
In 2019, Lane Kiffin continued to elevate FAU, guiding them to their second Conference USA championship in three seasons. This achievement solidified his ability to build and sustain a successful program, further enhancing his coaching reputation.
2020: Kiffin's First Season at Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin began his tenure as Ole Miss head coach in 2020. Despite a challenging season, he led the team to a 5-5 record and an Outback Bowl invitation.
July 2021: Resolution of Litigation
A defamation lawsuit filed by former USC coach Todd McNair, related to the NCAA sanctions, was settled through mediation in July 2021, but the vacated wins remained.
August 2021: Kiffin's Ole Miss Contract Extension
Following a successful first season at Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin received a one-year contract extension through 2024, amounting to $21 million in base pay. The extension was announced in August 2021.
2021: Ole Miss Achieves 100% Vaccination Rate and Kiffin Tests Positive for COVID-19
In a significant achievement, Lane Kiffin led Ole Miss to become the first NCAA football team with a 100% COVID-19 vaccination rate in 2021. However, Kiffin himself tested positive for COVID-19 just before the season opener. Despite this setback, Ole Miss had a historic season, finishing 10-2, marking only the second time in half a century that the team achieved 10 wins in a regular season.
2022: Ole Miss Experiences a Dip in Performance
The Ole Miss Rebels, under Lane Kiffin's leadership, faced a slight setback in 2022, finishing the season with an 8-5 record.
2023: Ole Miss Achieves Historic 11-Win Season
In 2023, Lane Kiffin guided Ole Miss to an impressive 11-2 season, culminating in a Peach Bowl victory. This marked the first time in the school's history that the team achieved 11 wins in a season.
2024: End of Initial Contract with Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin's initial contract with Ole Miss, which was extended through 2024, is set to expire.