While Ole Miss Rebels fans are sure hopeful that Kiffin will stay on and lead them into the playoffs, the team has a replacement picked out already in case the legendary coach decides to depart.
Who will replace Lane Kiffin?
If Kiffin leaves Ole Miss, Joe Judge the former New York Giants coach will take on the mantle of interim manager in the College Football Playoff (CFP), ESPN reported, citing sources.
Judge was head coach for the Giants from 2020 to 2021 and during this tenure, he managed 10 wins and 23 losses, which is a 303 win percentage). In the 2020 season, he had 6 wins and 10 losses, while in 2021, he had 4 wins and 13 losses.
Judge is a New England Patriots assistant and an acolyte of Bill Belichick who has worked with Ole Miss since 2024. He is currently the quarterbacks coach.
While Judge would likely be the interim coach, others could be in line for a more permanent position.
Tulane HC Jon Sumrall could be a good pick but is nearing a deal with Auburn. However, he’s been a former Ole Miss assistant, so a swoop could be in the offing, as per Sports Illustrated. Another name that’s been doing the rounds is that of Memphis HC Ryan Silverfield. He’s got a good system for the Tigers and the belief is that with expanded resources at Ole Miss, he’ll only do better.
Vanderbilt HC Clark Lea is yet another option, as per SI, but Ole Miss might have to show him they’re willing to spend in the NIL era. Another name that could be considered is that of Georgia Tech HC Brent Key. He’s been able to transform Georgia Tech into an ACC contender, and could be the key to Ole Miss Rebels’ next success. Eli Drinkwitz, the Missouri HC, could be an option, but a tough one, given he’s just signed a contract extension.
However, if Ole Miss loses Kiffin and are in the need of a brash, innovative and offensive mind, then Drinkwitz might just fit the bill, SI reported.