Lane Kiffin has not coached Ole Miss since taking the LSU job on Nov. 30, 2025. Yet, he continues to rake in some money due to an interesting language in his seven-year contract.
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According to ESPN, will receive the College Football Playoff bonus from LSU that he would have earned if he had remained with Ole Miss through the end of the season. The further the Rebels go in the playoffs, the more money LSU will pay Kiffin.
This pay schedule began with $150,000 for the Rebels taking part in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Kiffin's former team defeated Tulane to advance to the quarterfinals. This secured another $250,000.
With Ole Miss beating Georgia 39-34 on New Year's Day, LSU now owes Kiffin $500,000. The bonuses will continue if Ole Miss beats Miami next week in the semifinals to advance to the National Championship. If Ole Miss wins the title, LSU will owe Kiffin $1 million.
All of the bonus money will be due within 30 days of Ole Miss closing out its season.
The contract does not simply include payouts for Kiffin based on how Ole Miss performs in the College Football Playoffs. ESPN notes that the seven-year contract with LSU includes some performance bonuses, an escalator, and a lump sum tied to real estate.
The university will cover up the difference of up to $500,000 between Kiffin's purchase price of his Mississippi home and a new primary residence in Louisiana. He spent $2.89 million on his home in Mississippi.
If the new head coach reaches the College Football Playoffs, he will earn $750,000 for first-round participation. He can earn up to $3 million for winning the National Championship. He can also earn $1 million for leading the Tigers to an SEC title.
If the Tigers win the National Championship under Kiffin, he will earn another pay increase. His contract includes an escalator that makes him the highest-paid coach in the nation.
