Ole Miss will find out its first-round College Football Playoff matchup on Sunday, while former coach Lane Kiffin observes from Baton Rouge. Kiffin, now at LSU, intended to continue with the Rebels throughout the playoffs before his full transition, but Ole Miss has decided to move ahead with former defensive coordinator Pete Golding as its new head coach, marking a long-term commitment.

Kiffin expressed frustration regarding Ole Miss’s decision to not allow him to coach in the playoffs, asserting that he learned only Sunday morning that he would have to step away. However, Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter provided a pointed rebuttal during a Wednesday interview, stating that Kiffin had been informed ‘several weeks ago’ that coaching the Rebels during the playoffs would not be possible if he accepted another job.

“There have been many public statements made by him that might not be entirely accurate,” Carter remarked with a smirk. He further clarified, “Both the coach and his representatives were aware weeks ago that postseason coaching would not be an option if he wasn’t the head coach of Ole Miss.”

Carter addressed Kiffin’s assertion about not knowing until the day he announced his decision and provided additional context regarding the situation, mentioning a potential twist if Auburn had beaten Alabama affecting playoff considerations.

Kiffin’s comments and Carter’s responses underscore a dramatic shift at Ole Miss, as they negotiate the transition away from Kiffin, who has a history of contentious exits from previous roles.