Kiffin aims to make LSU ‘best program’ in college football

Lane Kiffin believes the opportunity to coach LSU was too good to pass up, calling it “the best job in football” and he says the biggest priority is making sure LSU takes its place back as “the best program in all of college football.”

“Having watched this place for a long time, having been on the other sidelines in this stadium, this place is different and that’s why we’re here,” Kiffin said at his introductory press conference Monday.

Kiffin announced he was joining LSU on Sunday, ending the sweepstakes for the services of the now former Ole Miss coach. He called the decision to leave the Rebels “extremely difficult.” Kiffin wanted to continue coaching Ole Miss throughout the playoffs, but the school denied his request.

“We tried every single thing possible to continue to coach the team through the playoffs and to continue to coach the players,” Kiffin explained. “In the end, that was their decision and I totally respect that.”

He added: “The last six years of my life have been the best six years of my life. I owe that to the players, all the assistant coaches, and people of Oxford.”

Kiffin succeeds Brian Kelly, who was fired by LSU earlier this season after starting 5-3 this year. Kelly’s tenure was remembered for its disappointing results with at least three losses in each of his four seasons and a buyout of roughly $54 million.

Kiffin shared his excitement for trying to do what Kelly couldn’t. So much so that he channeled his inner Ed Orgeron, who gave LSU its most recent national championship.

LSU reportedly gave Kiffin a seven-year, $91-million contract, though the coach says money did not play a factor in his move.

“I’m never going to make a decision on money and I’m telling you right now, I don’t know what my contract is here. That’s not very financially responsible,” Kiffin said to laughs from the audience. “I’m sure it’s really good. I don’t know what it is.”

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