Ole Miss Coach Accused of Lying

Lane Kiffin, football coach for University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), claims that he was asked to stay on after resigning, but players and the athletic director say otherwise. The situation raises questions of character, particularly honesty and courage.

The dispute happened publicly, with Kiffin posting to X. Several players posted responses, with sophomore Brycen Sanders, on the team leadership council, weighing in first, as you see here. That post was reposted enthusiastically by Jayden Williams and supported by others. We could say the players demonstrated courage, but I’m not sure they faced much risk.

Kiffin’s post is surprising, considering how easily it’s proven untrue by several observers. Unless players and the athletic director had a good reason to lie themselves, fans would more likely believe them, particularly because Kiffin’s move was so highly criticized. Kiffin also may have underestimated the power of team solidarity.

In addition to the obvious issue of lying, without psychoanalyzing Kiffin too much, students might discuss why Kiffin would include this claim in his X post at all. Why not graciously leave, with a new job in hand? That entire middle paragraph could have been omitted, leaving the decision up front and a few kind words at the end.

Instead, Kiffin’s reputation might be tarnished as he starts his new job at Louisiana State University (LSU).