Lane Kiffin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Lane Kiffin. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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).

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.

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: 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 Although the BCS title was revoked, USC still retains the 2003 and 2004 AP National Championships.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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.