Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Reacts to Lane Kiffin Taking LSU Job

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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Lane Kiffin shook up the college football world this weekend when he officially announced he was leaving his current program, Ole Miss, to become the new head coach for the LSU Tigers. With that, everyone has been reacting to the shocking yet expected news that he took a new job amid the Rebels' journey to the College Football Playoff.

Many have slammed Kiffin for the controversial decision to depart in the way he has, while others have shown support for the well-known college coach, seeming to understand why he'd take the job.

That includes Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who recently appeared at a press conference discussing his team and related college football topics. With that, he addressed Kiffin's decision to take the LSU job despite his current college football team's success.

Read more: Ole Miss Coach Sends Message to Fans After CFP Rankings Reveal

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney talks to media

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The Clemson coach kept it simple when discussing Kiffin, whom he said he's gotten to know over his years as a head football coach. Kiffin has coached for several schools, with Ole Miss and LSU his most recent stops. He's getting a lucrative contract to become the new face of the LSU Tigers, which means he'll no longer coach Ole Miss during their playoff games.

“I know Lane professionally. We’ve texted many times over the years,” Swinney said, adding, “He’s reached out at different times with questions or whatever.”

“Obviously, he's a great coach, and it's a great program, and when that time comes, it’ll be a great matchup,” he said, regarding Clemson going against LSU.

It's a battle of the Tigers next year, as these two teams will have quite a matchup as Swinney makes his debut at home in the season-opener. Both coaches kick off their next seasons with this game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sept. 5, 2026.

Most likely, Swinney will want his team to score a significant victory, sending a message that Clemson remains one of the best all-time programs in college football. However, Kiffin, now with the LSU Tigers, will look to make a profound statement at home to start his tenure as LSU coach.

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