CFP Chair Explains How Selection Committee Will Treat Ole Miss If Lane Kiffin Leaves

Mississippi, ranked No. 7 by the College Football Playoff selection committee, is poised to host Alabama in the tournament's opening round. However, the team's future could be significantly impacted if head coach Lane Kiffin departs. Both LSU and Florida are reportedly interested in hiring Kiffin, who is expected to decide his future following the Egg Bowl game against Mississippi State.

The absence of a head coach can influence a team's CFP ranking, as evidenced by past committee decisions. In 2023, Florida State was excluded from the playoff after losing their quarterback, despite a strong finish to the season. However, the committee chair, Hunter Yurachek, noted that the impact of Kiffin's potential departure might not be measurable, as the committee would not see Ole Miss play without him.

Ole Miss was recently surpassed in the rankings by Oregon following the Ducks' victory over USC. The possible transition from Kiffin to an interim coach, potentially offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., quarterbacks coach