As the coaching carousel begins to spin once again, few names spark more excitement or more debate than Lane Kiffin. His explosive offensive schemes, proven SEC success, and rejuvenated Ole Miss program make him an obvious top choice for any school seeking a headline-grabbing hire. For fans who crave dynamic game plans, aggressive play-calling, and a national recruiting presence, Kiffin represents the ideal blend of innovation and swagger.
But wanting Lane Kiffin and actually landing him are two very different things.
Kiffin has built something stable in Oxford. Ole Miss gives him resources, SEC visibility, a passionate fan base, and the freedom to run his program his way. Add in the fact that he has recently shown loyalty after being linked to other jobs, and it becomes clear why prying him away feels more like wishful thinking than a realistic outcome. As much as many of us would love to see him roaming our sidelines, the honest truth is that he likely stays put at least for now.
That’s why having strong, realistic backup options is essential, and fortunately, there are two compelling candidates waiting in the wings: Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch.
Drinkwitz has quietly built Missouri into one of the SEC’s most disciplined and upward-trending programs. His ability to develop quarterbacks, recruit at a high level, and elevate a team without relying solely on blue-chip talent speaks volumes. What stands out most is his adaptability he isn’t married to one system, but instead tailors his schemes to the strengths of his personnel. For a program seeking long-term stability and cultural consistency, Drinkwitz would be a smart and steady hire.
Jedd Fisch, on the other hand, brings a different type of appeal. His rapid turnaround of Arizona showcased a rare combination of creativity and leadership. Fisch is known for his NFL-style offensive mind and a knack for rebuilding programs from the ground up. He installs structure, develops players, and instills confidence in a way that generates immediate buy-in. If the goal is to modernize the offense and inject new life into the locker room, Fisch checks every box.
In the end, wanting Kiffin makes perfect sense he’s a star. But if he ultimately stays at Ole Miss, Drinkwitz and Fisch aren’t consolation prizes. They’re strong, forward-thinking coaches who could elevate the program in their own right. And in today’s ever-shifting coaching landscape, having multiple winning paths is the smartest strategy of all.