Ole Miss Rebels' Lane Kiffin Named George Munger Coach Of The Year Semifinalist
Ole Miss continues to see progress under fourth-year coach Lane Kiffin, and people in power are starting to take notice.
Kiffin was named a semifinalist for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday. He was one of 14 coaches selected for the honor.
Consistent growth has been essential in Oxford under Kiffin's watch. Two years ago, the Rebels posted their first 10-win regular season in program history, capped off with a Sugar Bowl appearance against then-Big 12 champion Baylor.
After finishing 8-5 in 2022, Kiffin attacked the transfer portal, adding in top-level offensive talent, including receiver Tre Harris (Louisiana Tech) and Caden Prieskorn (Memphis). The offense featured a more balanced approach, headlined by quarterback Jaxson Dart's precision and the hard-press running style of reigning SEC Freshman of the Year Quinshon Judkins.
Dart finished with career-highs in passing yards (2,985), total touchdowns (27) and passer rating (161.9) while orchestrating the nation's No. 20th-ranked scoring offense (34.8 points per game). Judkins posted his second 1,000-yard rushing season while totaling 15 rushing TDs.
Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (left) talks with Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during a time out during the first half against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Harris became Ole Miss' leading receiver with 851 yards and nine touchdowns. Both Dayton Wade and Jordan Watkins recorded at least 52 catches for over 740 yards and three scores. Prieskorn averaged 15.2 yards per reception and notched two touchdowns.
On the defensive side, the Rebels saw improvements under first-year coordinator Pete Golding. In 2022, Ole Miss allowed opponents to average 25.5 points and 387.8 yards per game. Under Golding, the Rebels held teams to 22.4 points and 371.4 yards per contest.
Ole Miss also finished top 25 nationally in sacks (34) and top 40 in tackles for loss (77). The Rebels picked up their second double-digit win regular season in program history, with their only two losses coming to No. 4 Alabama and No. 6 Georgia.
Ole Miss also picked up two ranked wins over No. 24 Tulane in Week 2 and No. 13 LSU in Week 5.
Finalists for the award will be announced on Dec. 21, and the winner will be unveiled on Jan. 8. No. 11 Ole Miss takes on No. 10 Penn State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 29 at Noon E.T.
