Lane Kiffin Signs LSU Contract: Salary and Details Revealed
Lane Kiffin has officially signed a lucrative seven-year contract with LSU, valued at $91 million. This agreement positions him as the second-highest paid coach in college football, with an annual salary of $13 million. Kiffin’s compensation package includes performance-based incentives and allows him to benefit from Ole Miss’ potential run in the College Football Playoff.
Salary and Contract Details
According to reports, Kiffin signed the term sheet on Saturday, just before announcing his move to LSU. His salary trails only Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who commands $13.28 million annually. Kiffin’s pay surpasses Ohio State’s Ryan Day, who earned $12.5 million for the previous season.
- Salary: $13 million per year
- Contract length: 7 years
- Total value: $91 million
- Potential annual raises based on performance
If Kiffin leads LSU to a national championship, his deal includes an automatic pay escalation, which would elevate him to the highest paid coach in college football. To date, Kiffin holds a 117-53 record in 14 years of coaching, and he achieved four 10-win seasons at Ole Miss, including a historic 11-win regular season.
Financial Implications and Buyouts
LSU has agreed to cover Kiffin’s $3 million buyout from Ole Miss. Should the university choose to terminate his contract without cause, it would owe him 80% of his remaining salary, payable in monthly installments until 2032. The deal ensures full compensation without mitigation clauses, meaning Kiffin’s earnings won’t be reduced if he accepts another job, barring termination for cause.
In addition, LSU plans to allocate $25-30 million annually for Kiffin’s roster through revenue-sharing and name, image, and likeness (NIL) funds, following previous spending of approximately $18 million under former coach Brian Kelly.
Comparative Coaching Contracts
Kelly’s contract, which was terminated with six years remaining, included a significantly high buyout amount. His deal represented the second-largest buyout in college football history. Kiffin’s contract appears to have been structured to avoid such complications by incorporating performance-based incentives and a shorter duration.
Coaching Transition and Ole Miss’ Situation
Despite Ole Miss likely qualifying for the College Football Playoff, Kiffin’s transition to LSU was marked by a disagreement with the Ole Miss athletic director regarding his desire to continue coaching through the playoffs. Following Kiffin’s departure, defensive coordinator Pete Golding has been promoted to head coach at Ole Miss.
Kiffin expressed that completing the season with Ole Miss was crucial to him and noted that players requested he remain. However, the circumstances surrounding his intended departure prompted both schools to finalize the transition swiftly.
In summary, Lane Kiffin’s movement to LSU not only highlights his financial rewards but also reflects the shifting dynamics in college football coaching, particularly regarding contracts and performance incentives.
