History of Lane Kiffin in Timeline

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

1946: Kiffin Youngest Since 1946

In 2007, Kiffin, age 31 at the time of his hiring by the Raiders became the youngest head coach in modern NFL history (i.e. since 1946).

1963: Last Time a Pre-Season Ranked #1 Team Finished Unranked Before 2012

Prior to 2012, the last time a team that was the pre-season ranked #1 finished the season unranked was USC in 1963.

1969: Madden Elevated

In 1969, John Madden was elevated to the head post by Davis at age 32.

1970: Kiffin youngest since AFL-NFL merger

In 2007, Kiffin surpassed the New York Jets' Eric Mangini and the Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin as the youngest head coach since the AFL–NFL merger in 1970.

May 9, 1975: Lane Kiffin Born

On May 9, 1975, Lane Monte Kiffin was born. He later became an American football coach and head coach at Ole Miss.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Graduation from Bloomington Jefferson High School

In 1994, Lane Kiffin graduated from Bloomington Jefferson High School in Minnesota and committed to play college football at Fresno State University.

1998: Graduation from Fresno State

In 1998, Lane Kiffin graduated from Fresno State University.

1999: Graduate Assistant at Colorado State

In 1999, Lane Kiffin worked as a graduate assistant for one year at Colorado State University and secured a job with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL as a quality control assistant.

2001: Joins USC Staff

During the 2001 season, Lane Kiffin began working with the University of Southern California (USC) staff.

2001: Assistant Coach at USC

In 2001, Lane Kiffin began his tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California.

2002: Wide Receivers Coach

Prior to the 2002 season, Lane Kiffin became the wide receivers coach at USC.

2003: USC Retains 2003 AP National Championship

Despite the BCS stripping USC of the 2004 title in 2011, USC still retained the 2003 AP National Championship.

2004: Passing Game Coordinator

For the 2004 season, Lane Kiffin added the duties of passing game coordinator at USC.

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.

2005: Offensive Coordinator

In 2005, Lane Kiffin was promoted to offensive coordinator at USC, also taking on the role of recruiting coordinator.

2005: USC Trojans Win BCS National Championship

In 2005, the USC Trojans won the BCS National Championship in the Orange Bowl. However, in June 2010, the NCAA later vacated this win due to Reggie Bush's ineligibility.

2005: USC Offense Achieves Milestone

In the 2005 season, USC had two thousand-yard receivers, a thousand-yard rusher, and a 3,000-yard passer, the first time this had happened since Lane Kiffin was the offensive coordinator.

2006: End of USC Assistant Coaching

In 2006, Lane Kiffin concluded his time as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California.

2006: Trojans finish first in Pac-10

In 2006, Lane Kiffin's Trojans finished first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency, averaging a 142.8 passer rating, produced two, 1,000-yard receivers – Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith – and a 3,000-yard passer John David Booty, with 3,347 yards.

January 23, 2007: Hired by Oakland Raiders

On January 23, 2007, Lane Kiffin was hired by the Oakland Raiders as their head coach, becoming the youngest head coach in Raiders history at 31 years old.

August 12, 2007: NFL Head Coaching Debut

On August 12, 2007, in his NFL head coaching debut, Lane Kiffin and the Raiders won their preseason opener 27–23 over the Arizona Cardinals.

September 23, 2007: First Regular Season Win

On September 23, 2007, Lane Kiffin recorded his first regular season win as an NFL head coach when the Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns by a score of 26–24.

2007: Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders

In 2007, Lane Kiffin became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League.

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".

November 28, 2008: Reports of Kiffin to Tennessee

On November 28, 2008, media outlets reported that Lane Kiffin would be the next head football coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

November 30, 2008: Signs Deal with Tennessee

On November 30, 2008, Lane Kiffin signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Tennessee including performance bonuses and salary increases over a six-year deal.

December 1, 2008: Introduction as Tennessee Head Coach

On December 1, 2008, Lane Kiffin was formally introduced as the 21st head football coach at the University of Tennessee.

December 15, 2008: Cable Lashes out at Kiffin

On December 15, 2008, Raiders head coach Tom Cable criticized Lane Kiffin for hiring one of his assistants, James Cregg, with two weeks remaining in the NFL season, calling the timing "wrong in the business of coaching."

2008: Plans for Offseason Changes

At his end-of-the-season press conference in 2008, Lane Kiffin told the media and his players that he had many plans and changes he was going to make in the 2008 offseason.

2008: Improvement From 2008 Season

In 2009, Lane Kiffin led the Tennessee Volunteers to a 7–6 record, an improvement from their 5–7 record in 2008.

2008: Continued as Raiders Head Coach

Lane Kiffin continued as head coach of the Oakland Raiders during 2008.

2008: Last Winning Season for FAU Before Kiffin's Arrival

Prior to Lane Kiffin's arrival, the 2008 season was the last season over .500 for the FAU Owls.

February 4, 2009: Tom Cable Named Head Coach

On February 4, 2009, Tom Cable, who had been serving as interim head coach, was made the permanent head coach of the Raiders, replacing Kiffin.

February 5, 2009: Accusations Against Urban Meyer

On February 5, 2009, Lane Kiffin accused Urban Meyer, then head coach of the Florida Gators, of violating NCAA recruiting rules.

2009: Head Coach at Tennessee

In 2009, Lane Kiffin became the head coach at the University of Tennessee.

2009: Salary in 2009

In 2009, Lane Kiffin's deal with Tennessee included $2 million in salary.

2009: Contract Option

On January 23, 2007, Raiders signed Kiffin to a two-year contract worth about $4 million with a team option for 2009.

January 12, 2010: Returns to USC as Head Coach

On January 12, 2010, Lane Kiffin returned to USC to become the Trojans' head coach after Pete Carroll's departure.

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: Leaves Tennessee for USC

During the 2010 recruiting season, Lane Kiffin left the Volunteers after one season as coach to accept the head coaching job at the University of Southern California.

2010: Buyout Clause

If Kiffin had been fired in 2010, the school would have to pay him $7.5 million under a buyout clause.

2010: Head Coach at USC

In 2010, Lane Kiffin became the head coach at the University of Southern California, marking a return to the program.

2010: Riots at University of Tennessee

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

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.

October 2011: Kiffin's Statement on Davis's Death

In October 2011, Lane Kiffin released a statement following Al Davis's death expressing appreciation for the opportunity Davis had given him despite their strained relationship.

2012: Buyout Clause Decreases

After the 2012 season, the buyout clause in Kiffin's contract decreased to $5 million.

2012: Alshon Jeffery Drafted

In 2012, Alshon Jeffery was drafted by the Chicago Bears, becoming the second round, 45th pick overall in the 2012 NFL draft.

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.

2013: End of USC Head Coaching

In 2013, Lane Kiffin's tenure as the head coach at USC concluded.

January 9, 2014: Kiffin Interviews for Alabama Offensive Coordinator Job

On January 9, 2014, Lane Kiffin interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator job at Alabama after Michigan hired Doug Nussmeier.

2014: Salary Set to Increase

In 2014, Kiffin's salary under the terms of the original 2008 deal was scheduled to reach a high of $2.75 million.

2014: Offensive Coordinator at Alabama

In 2014, Lane Kiffin became the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama.

2014: Kiffin Named Finalist for Broyles Award

In 2014, Lane Kiffin was a finalist for the Broyles Award, which is given annually to the nation's top college football assistant coach.

February 28, 2016: Lane and Layla Kiffin Announce Separation and Divorce

On February 28, 2016, Lane Kiffin and his then-wife, Layla Reaves, announced that they were separating and had mutually decided to divorce.

December 12, 2016: Kiffin Accepts Head Coaching Position at Florida Atlantic University

On December 12, 2016, Lane Kiffin accepted the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

2016: Hired by Florida Atlantic

In 2016, Lane Kiffin was hired to be the head coach at Florida Atlantic University.

January 2, 2017: Kiffin Relieved of Duties as Alabama Offensive Coordinator

On January 2, 2017, Lane Kiffin was relieved of his duties as Alabama Offensive Coordinator, three weeks after accepting the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic. He was replaced by Steve Sarkisian.

December 19, 2017: FAU Wins Boca Raton Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Kiffin led the FAU Owls to a 50–3 victory over Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl, culminating in an 11–3 season in his first year.

2017: McVay youngest NFL coach

In 2017, Sean McVay became the youngest head coach in modern NFL history when he joined the Rams, surpassing Kiffin's record.

December 6, 2019: Kiffin Reported Close to Accepting Ole Miss Head Coaching Position

On December 6, 2019, reports indicated that Lane Kiffin was close to accepting the head coaching position at Ole Miss.

December 2019: Head Coach at Ole Miss

In December 2019, Lane Kiffin became the head coach at Ole Miss, concluding his tenure at Florida Atlantic.

2019: Kiffin Leads FAU to Second C-USA Championship

In 2019, Lane Kiffin once again led FAU to a 10-win season and a second C-USA championship.

2020: Kiffin Wins First Game at Ole Miss

In 2020, Lane Kiffin won his first game at Ole Miss against Kentucky, with the team finishing the season 5-5 and receiving an invitation to the 2021 Outback Bowl.

July 2021: Todd McNair Defamation Suit Settled

In July 2021, litigation from former coach Todd McNair to fight his defamation was settled through mediation, though the wins remained vacated.

August 2021: Kiffin's New Contract Details Released by Ole Miss

New contract details were released in August 2021, showing Lane Kiffin would receive $21 million in base pay through 2024, with $4.5 million paid out in 2021 and over $5 million in each of the remaining three seasons.

2021: Ole Miss Becomes First 100% Vaccinated NCAA Football Team

Prior to the 2021 season, Lane Kiffin led Ole Miss to become the first NCAA football team 100% vaccinated against COVID-19. Kiffin himself tested positive for COVID-19 before the opener. The Rebels finished the 2021 regular season 10–2.

2022: Rebels Slip to 8-5

The Ole Miss Rebels slipped to an 8-5 record in 2022.

2023: Rebels Finish 11-2 with Peach Bowl Victory

In 2023, the Rebels rebounded strongly to finish 11-2 with a victory in the Peach Bowl, marking the first 11-win season in school history.

2024: Kiffin Discusses Sobriety

In 2024, Lane Kiffin stated that he had been sober and abstinent from alcohol for three and a half years.

2024: Kiffin's Contract Through 2024

In August 2021 new contract details were released that showed Lane Kiffin would receive $21 million in base pay through 2024.

2024: Rebels Finish 10-3 with Gator Bowl Victory

In the 2024 season, Lane Kiffin led the Rebels to a 9–3 regular season record, highlighted by an upset victory over #2 Georgia. The Rebels defeated Duke 52–20 in the Gator Bowl and finished the season 10–3.