Lane Kiffin reveals why he didn't take the job at Auburn

Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Auburn football team.

How does that work on the tongue?

According to a recent ESPN report, it almost happened if it weren't for Kiffin's daughter, Landry.

Chris Low reports, “Kiffin was leaning toward taking the Auburn job” if his daughter hadn’t asked him the question in 2022.

“You left me once for another job when you went to Alabama, and now I'm here with you and you're doing it again?” she asked, according to the report.

Kiffin's oldest daughter left Los Angeles before her senior year of high school to be with her father. Now that she's at Ole Miss, she didn't want him to leave. In addition, Low reports that Landry Kiffin and her friends made a musical slideshow of them at Ole Miss to convince him to stay.

This is just a small excerpt from a long article that illustrates the transformation of the Ole Miss coach – on and off the field – as the Rebels prepare for a season with high expectations.

Kiffin's coaching career has been discussed more recently. Just last week, “The Price: What It Takes to Win In College Football's Era of Chaos” was released, and a chapter devoted to sports agent Jimmy Sexton sheds light on the relationship between Nick Saban and Kiffin. Sexton's role in their connection was crucial. The book actually recounts how angry Saban was at times with Kiffin and how he blamed Sexton.

Of course, Saban denied making the comment during an ESPN broadcast over the weekend.

In November 2022, Ole Miss and Kiffin agreed to a contract extension for $9 million per year, shortly after Auburn hired Hugh Freeze and after weeks of public flirtation with Auburn. Kiffin, the former Alabama offensive coordinator, received another contract extension in December – for the third consecutive year.

You can read the full story on ESPN.com.

Mark Heim is a reporter at The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_HeimHe can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app.