“If they don't, we got some issues”: Podcasters call for Lane Kiffin to reach 12-team playoffs to cement his legacy as greatest Ole Miss coach

On an episode of "The Mystery 5th Hour," the hosts of The Next Round podcast discussed whether Lane Kiffin could become the greatest coach in Ole Miss history. Host Jim Dunaway asked if Kiffin could cement his legacy at Ole Miss by making it to the 12-team playoffs this year.

Co-host Taylor Korn analyzed that if they don't there could be issues:

“I think a good step would be for them to make the 12-team playoff [this year],” Korn said. “If they don't, then we got some issues.”

Dunaway sought further insight from co-host Emily Grace McWhorter as to what Kiffin would need to do to be considered the greatest Ole Miss coach. McWhorter said:

“Yes, I do think that he will be,” McWhorter said. “Simply because of the standards he's created with recruiting and transfer portal.”

McWhorter also affirmed her belief that Kiffin could become the greatest coach in Ole Miss history before he leaves.

“Yes, I do think so,” she told Dunaway.

Korn also pointed out Kiffin's proficiency in utilizing the transfer portal and how he has shown his capability of getting talent out of it, which, in turn, changes the game for coaches like Kiffin. McWhorter also noted that Kiffin led Ole Miss to back-to-back seasons with over 10 wins for the first time.

Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin.

Dunaway provided some historical context by comparing Kiffin's current success with that of Johnny Vaught, a three-time national champion coach. He noted Kiffin's 69% winning percentage and the potential for Kiffin to approach Vaught's 74% winning percentage with a good year.

“I think there's a chance Lane Kiffin, before he leaves Ole Miss, can be considered by living Ole Miss fans still alive walking the planet today as the greatest coach in Ole Miss history,” Dunaway said.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Lane Kiffin if he can meet the challenge and secure his place in Ole Miss history.

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Coach Lane Kiffin calls the current Ole Miss roster the best one yet

Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin's son, Knox Kiffin, sprays a fire extinguisher.

Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, has secured a base salary of $8.85 million for the 2024 season under his recent contract. Additionally, Kiffin could earn up to $200,000 in bonus payments through season ticket sales, according to Clarion Ledger.

Kiffin has confidence in the team he's assembled during the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin.

"This is definitely the best roster," Kiffin said. "I don't know if it'll be the best team. There's a lot to be figured out with that. Some of the significant players we have were out for spring, so we'll have a lot of work to do to bring them together to be the best team.”

Reflecting on past successes, the Rebels coach said:

"A couple years ago, we won 10 regular season games and last year won 11 total games, most in school history,” Kiffin added. “I do think the roster is better than that, but that's a lot of work to do to be a better team."

Following their historic 11-win season, Ole Miss is aiming for their first College Football Playoff berth in school history. The Rebels are setting high expectations for the upcoming season with Kiffin's optimism and a strong roster.