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Lane Kiffin has remained in the headlines since he abruptly left Ole Miss for LSU, and his former players are not happy about it.
The now-LSU head coach reportedly considered attending Ole Miss’ upset win over Georgia on Thursday night, but chose to attend LSU’s women’s basketball game instead. Senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris accused Kiffin of trying to steal the team’s shine.
“He was just trying to steal our shine. That’s all he’s trying to do. That’s all he’s tried to do is steal our shine,” Harris said, according to ESPN.
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Lane Kiffin speaks at a news conference as he is introduced as the new head coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on December 1, 2025. (Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
Harris called Kiffin’s departure, which came after Ole Miss set a program record for single-season wins, “like a slap in the face” and is using his departure as motivation.
“Like a slap and a backhand,” Harris said. “He was trying to be a troll. We’re going to troll him. We’ve got something for him.”
Harris played like he was driven by his former coach as he racked up a career-high 10 tackles in the 39-34 upset win over Georgia.
LANE KIFFIN ENTERS AS FORMER OLE MISS TEAM ADVANCED IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF WITHOUT HIM
Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris (51) smokes a cigar after a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl on Friday, November 28, 2025. (IMAGIN)
To further complicate matters between Kiffin and Ole Miss, members of the Rebels’ coaching staff will join Kiffin at LSU when their season ends. With the transfer portal opening on Friday, those assistants now have the job of coaching Ole Miss while also recruiting for LSU.
Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach/co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator George McDonald and running backs coach Kevin Smith all signed contracts to join Kiffin’s coaching staff at LSU.
Some of those assistants may no longer be coaching at Ole Miss, despite their run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, to join LSU, according to ESPN.
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“Everything has been extremely clear and transparent between me and Pete Golding through constant communication, including a plan all the way through this historic championship,” Kiffin said Friday, according to ESPN.
“What a great night for all Ole Miss players, coaches and fans.”
Ole Miss will look to continue their run against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
