Tue Dec 02 21:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Lane Kiffin’s abrupt move from Ole Miss to LSU has drawn criticism, particularly regarding his handling of assistant coach Charlie Weis Jr. Weis, who followed Kiffin to LSU as an assistant, will now return to Ole Miss to serve as offensive coordinator for their College Football Playoff run. Kiffin stated he informed the CFP committee of this arrangement, hoping it would boost Ole Miss’s ranking. Ole Miss quickly appointed Pete Golding as head coach. While several Ole Miss assistants followed Kiffin to LSU, only Weis is returning to Ole Miss for the playoffs.

News Article:

Dinich Criticizes Kiffin’s Handling of Coaching Transition as Weis Returns to Ole Miss for Playoff

Oxford, MS – The college football world is buzzing after Lane Kiffin’s move from Ole Miss to LSU, with ESPN analyst Heather Dinich taking issue with the way Kiffin has managed the transition. The most notable development is the return of Charlie Weis Jr., who initially followed Kiffin to LSU, to serve as Ole Miss’s offensive coordinator for their College Football Playoff campaign.

Kiffin stated his decision was made after conversations with LSU and that he has informed the CFP committee, hoping Weis’s presence will positively influence Ole Miss’s playoff ranking. Ole Miss finished the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record and is currently ranked No. 7 in the CFP standings.

“I’ve already made the committee aware of this and I’m hopeful this decision will allow Ole Miss to receive the highest ranking possible because these great players are very deserving of that. I’m excited that Charlie will be back to help coach the greatest team in the history of Ole Miss,” Kiffin said in a statement.

Ole Miss has confirmed Weis’s return, including him in their coaching staff alongside new head coach Pete Golding, who was quickly promoted after Kiffin’s departure. Kiffin had reportedly wished to remain at Ole Miss, but his request was denied.

While several other Ole Miss assistants, including co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, are joining Kiffin at LSU, Weis is the only coach returning to Ole Miss for the playoff run. Weis has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $6 million deal with LSU.

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