Where Does Lane Kiffin Land in Latest SEC Head Coach Rankings?
OXFORD, Miss. -- With Nick Saban officially out of coaching, there is a new hierarchy of head coaches in the Southeastern Conference entering the 2024 college football season. Kirby Smart rightfully sits atop of the new totem pole, but how does the rest of the order shake out, and where is Lane Kiffin?
With four new coaches in the conference, there has been some shuffling.
On3 released rankings for all 16 SEC coaches in 2024 on Monday, and the outlet tabbed Kiffin at No. 5 after he lead the Ole Miss Rebels to a Peach Bowl victory and their first ever 11-win season in 2023.
"Kiffin just led the Rebels to their first 11-win season in school history, and like Sarkisian, has overcome a rocky start to his head coaching career (be it the one-and-done season at Tennessee or the stint at USC)," On3 wrote. "Before Kiffin arrived in Oxford, Ole Miss had just three 10-win seasons in 48 years. He could top that in 2024 with the Rebels pushing their chips for a potential SEC title run.
"Kiffin has maximized the transfer portal and is an excellent offensive mind. Next up: leading Ole Miss to the playoff and winning more games against Top 25 foes."
Kiffin capitalized on his success from last season by reeling in his best transfer portal class to date with the Rebels, highlighted by defensive lineman Walter Nolen, edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, and receiver Antwane "Juice" Wells. With the No. 3 transfer class in the nation and multiple seniors returning to Oxford, Kiffin has the Rebels poised to compete for their first SEC title and playoff appearance.
