Ex-Giants head coach Joe Judge would “likely” become the interim head coach at Ole Miss if Lane Kiffin leaves for LSU, according to ESPN.
Judge, 43, is currently the quarterbacks coach at Ole Miss. He served for eight years under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots before becoming the Giants’ head coach in 2020. He went 10-23 in two seasons before getting fired following the 2021 season.
LSU is “very confident” that the 50-year-old Kiffin will be coaching them next season, The Athletic reported Saturday. The school has reportedly made an offer of 7 years and $98 million, an average of $14 million per season.
Kiffin indicated Friday after Ole Miss beat Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl that he would announce his plans on Saturday.
“I haven’t [made a decision],” Kiffin said. “Maybe that surprises you. I got to do some praying and figure this thing out. I can get to that tomorrow. I live life about one day at a time. Maybe that doesn’t help you, but I’ve learned to live that way for about six years now, five years. That helps me. Today is all about these players performing really well and keeping this Egg Bowl trophy where it belongs.”
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said Saturday on air that if Kiffin leaves for LSU, Ole Miss should allow him to coach the team through the College Football Playoff.
“Chances are he’s going to Baton Rouge,” he said. “I think Ole Miss has to accept that and look at this as a magical year….
“Let Lane Kiffin, if he leaves, and his players finish the run this year.”