'Really Good Roster!' Lane Kiffin Talks Culture Building, Zach Arnett Hire, Jaxson Dart's Health
OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss Rebels started their 2024 spring practices on Wednesday, which means we got to hear official word from coach Lane Kiffin for the first time since the Peach Bowl victory in December, and there was a lot to unpack on this fine day.
"Like I told our guys, I think that - well I know this - we have a really good roster," Kiffin told reporters. "I understand there's a lot of preseason hype around it, but that doesn't mean we're a good team just because we have a good roster. Our roster certainly looks like the best one since we've been here. Probably by far, because you have so many returning pieces from last year and then these additions of other pieces.
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"It's a really good roster - which I know will be talked about - but that does not mean we're a good team. That's a lot of work and a lot of culture building for that to happen."
Kiffin continued that good rosters on paper are not always successful.
"You guys have all seen in this sport and different sports," Kiffin said. "These really good rosters put together in the offseason, whether that's the NBA or NFL, do not always transfer to wins."
The Rebels added former Mississippi State Bulldogs coach Zach Arnett as a defensive analyst on Wednesday, and Kiffin was rather pleased when asked about the hire.
"I've had a lot of respect for Zach," Kiffin said. "I thought they did a great job over there in Starkville during his time on defense and caused people problems. It's just good to have him over here."
Arnett posted a 5-6 record in his one season as the Bulldogs’ and was fired at the end of the 2023 regular season. Kiffin also hinted at another potential big staff addition on the horizon.
"We kind of have another what you would call big name probably happening here soon," Kiffin said.
Kiffin also provided an update on his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who underwent a procedure this offseason.
"Jaxson threw seven on seven today and some routes on air, but he did have an offseason procedure and he's very limited movement wise," Kiffin said. "It's a lower-body issue, so he can still throw. I think he'll continue to get back, but every cost has a benefit. That benefit is the other people getting reps and being able to play a lot"
