After the conclusion of the Fiesta Bowl on December 28, 2023, former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin publicly expressed his support for his previous team. The Rebels faced a narrow defeat against the Miami Hurricanes, losing 31-27 and ending their season while securing Miami a spot in the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship.
Kiffin, who left Ole Miss to become the head coach at LSU on November 30, 2023, took to social media to commend the Rebels for their performance. “Amazing effort and grit,” he wrote, adding, “best season ever in the history of Ole Miss!!” His supportive message was accompanied by a heartfelt tribute to the players he once coached.
In a notable twist, Kiffin also weighed in on a contentious moment from the game, criticizing a no-call for pass interference against Miami. He expressed that had the penalty been enforced, it could have provided Ole Miss with an opportunity to secure a game-winning touchdown. His tweet read, “Pass interference 💯!!!” highlighting the missed chance that could have altered the game’s outcome.
Despite his departure, Kiffin has remained a vocal supporter of his former players throughout Ole Miss’s playoff run. He has made several posts acknowledging the team’s achievements and showcasing individual players’ performances. This level of engagement is indicative of Kiffin’s ongoing connection to the program, despite his new responsibilities at LSU.
The Rebels concluded the season with an impressive record, marking their second 11-win season in the program’s history, the first being in 2023. Kiffin’s departure prior to the Fiesta Bowl left many fans wondering how he would support a team he had just led to significant heights.
Looking ahead, Miami is set to face off against the winner of the other playoff semifinal between Oregon and Indiana at the Peach Bowl, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The outcome of this matchup will determine the final contender in the national championship game, continuing the excitement for college football fans.
