Lane Kiffin’s messed-up situation is a product of college football’s messed-up calendar

Lane Kiffin faces uncertainty as Ole Miss, potentially on its way to the College Football Playoff, deals with speculation about Kiffin's future. Reports suggest Kiffin might leave Ole Miss for head coaching opportunities at LSU or Florida, creating tension as these schools seek clarity to make timely roster decisions. This situation highlights challenges in the college football calendar, where the offseason begins while the current season is still underway. The early signing period in mid-December and a January transfer window complicate matters for playoff-bound teams.

The College Football Playoff schedule extends deep into January, overlapping with NFL playoffs and creating pressure on coaches like Kiffin, who must balance immediate team commitments with potential future opportunities. Calls for restructuring the calendar include moving the national championship to early January and considering changes to conference championships or playoff formats.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey expressed hope that coaches would remain committed to their teams throughout the playoffs, but acknowledged it's beyond his control. Kiffin himself commented on the systemic issues