Kiffin spent the last six years at Ole Miss. The Rebels had won 10 games just twice in previous half-century. Under Kiffin they won 10 or more games in four of the last five seasons. And then he left for LSU and upset just about everyone.

While Kiffin is gone, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is back with the Rebels for the playoff before he, too, ultimately leaves for LSU. Former defensive coordinator Pete Golding was announced as the team's new head coach, giving some stability to the program before its playoff date.

Ole Miss football has rehired Kelvin Bolden after he went to LSU in July. Bolden was Ole Miss' coordinator of recruiting strategy.

New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart hails ex-coach Lane Kiffin's "crazy" LSU move, cherishing their bond while cheering Ole Miss's playoff continuity.

The majority of Ole Miss' defensive staff also remains intact for the postseason. The Rebels announced former defensive coordinator Pete Golding as their permanent head coach, and he figures to retain select assistants for 2026. Secondary coach Bryan Brown, for one, will stay as Golding's defensive coordinator.

MU's SEC opponents for the next four years were announced back in September, but Thursday's reveal set the dates for next season.