The “Lane Kiffin Rule” became a major talking point Monday as lawmakers reviewed proposed SCORE Act changes tied to college athletics, coaching compensation, buyouts, and in-season recruiting restrictions involving active coaches.
The U.S. House of Representatives Rules Committee reviewed the latest version of the legislation as Congress again considered federal oversight of college sports. The proposal would require schools to fund coaching salaries through athletic department revenue rather than taxpayer money.
The bill also seeks to restrict coaching buyouts to private donations and require schools to disclose public funding connected to athletic programs. Still, the provision drawing the most attention is the so-called Lane Kiffin Rule, which would limit efforts to recruit coaches while their teams are still in season.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger shared details Monday on X, formerly Twitter, outlining the latest amendments added to the SCORE Act before a possible House vote later this week.
“A summary of changes to SCORE: (1) requires coach pay to be funded by athletic revenue; (2) limits coach buyouts to donations; (3) mandates disclosure of public funds used for athletics; (4) prevents recruitment of coaches while coach/team are in-season (Lane Kiffin Rule”
A summary of changes to SCORE: (1) requires coach pay to be funded by athletic revenue; (2) limits coach buyouts to donations; (3) mandates disclosure of public funds used for athletics; (4) prevents recruitment of coaches while coach/team are in-season (Lane Kiffin Rule https://t.co/DtOhzDGLib pic.twitter.com/1S3VoEWmsz
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 11, 2026
The proposal follows Kiffin’s controversial move from Ole Miss to LSU on Nov. 30, 2025. At the time, the Rebels remained in College Football Playoff contention, but Kiffin departed before postseason play began. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding later guided Ole Miss through the playoff run.
Lawmakers reportedly referenced the coaching change while drafting the latest SCORE Act language. As a result, the bill addresses broader concerns about coaching instability, public spending, and escalating financial commitments across college athletics.
Should it gain approval, the legislation has the potential to reshape how universities manage coaching salaries, buyouts, and in-season negotiations across the country. A full House vote could occur later this week in Washington, D.C., as lawmakers continue debating the government’s role in regulating college sports.
The “Lane Kiffin Rule” became a major talking point Monday as lawmakers reviewed proposed SCORE Act changes tied to college athletics, coaching compensation, buyouts, and in-season recruiting restrictions involving active coaches. The U. S. House of Representatives Rules Committee reviewed the latest version of the legislation as Congress again considered federal oversight of college sports.