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 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

1946: Youngest Head Coach in Modern NFL History

Age 31 at the time of his hiring by the Raiders (32 when he coached his first game), Kiffin became the youngest head coach in modern NFL history since 1946.

1970: Since the AFL-NFL merger

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

2003: USC Retains 2003 AP National Championship

In 2003, despite later sanctions, USC still retained the 2003 AP National Championship.

2004: BCS Stripped USC of 2004 Title

In 2004, the BCS stripped USC of its title, though USC still retained the 2003 and 2004 AP National Championships.

2005: Offensive Coordinator at USC

In 2005, Lane Kiffin was promoted to offensive coordinator at USC, along with Steve Sarkisian. The 2005 USC offense broke numerous school records.

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.

2006: Trojans finished first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency

In 2006, the Trojans finished first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency by averaging 142.8 passer rating, produced two, 1,000-yard receivers – Dwayne Jarrett (1,105) and Steve Smith (1,083) – and a 3,000-yard passer John David Booty, with 3,347 yards. The team produced top 20 statistics in most NCAA offensive categories and concluded with a 32–18 win over the then #3 ranked team the University of Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

January 23, 2007: Hired by the Oakland Raiders

On January 23, 2007, Al Davis hired Lane Kiffin as the head coach for the Oakland Raiders. At 31 years old, he became the youngest head coach in Raiders history.

August 12, 2007: First 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 26-24.

2014: Broyles Award Finalist

In 2014, Kiffin was a finalist for the Broyles Award, 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: Sean McVay Youngest NFL Coach

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

2019: FAU Wins C-USA Championship

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

2021: Ole Miss Achieves 100% COVID-19 Vaccination Rate

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

2023: Ole Miss Record and Peach Bowl Victory

In 2023, Ole Miss finished with an 11–2 record and a victory in the Peach Bowl, marking the first 11-win season in school history.

2024: Ole Miss Season Record and Gator Bowl Win

In the 2024 season, Kiffin led Ole Miss to a 9–3 record, with an upset victory over #2 Georgia. They defeated Duke in the Gator Bowl 52–20, finishing the season 10–3. Jaxson Dart became the winningest quarterback in program history.