Ole Miss Insider Predicts 'Fireworks' over Kiffin Assistants Going to LSU amid CFP Run

Even in the midst of Mississippi's thrilling 39-34 comeback win over Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal on Thursday, Lane Kiffin's shadow is still hovering over the program as it begins preparations for the next round.

Per ESPN's Mark Schlabach, one person associated with the Ole Miss program predicted "fireworks" because some assistants on the staff have contracts to join Kiffin at LSU with the transfer portal opening on Jan. 2.

"There are going to be some fireworks," the Ole Miss source told ESPN. "We always knew this might be a possibility."

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After Kiffin announced he was leaving Mississippi to take the LSU job on Nov. 30, several assistants from his staff agreed to follow him to Baton Rouge.

However, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Dec. 8 that five of those assistants were being allowed to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff. The group included offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends Joe Cox, wide receivers coach George McDonald, assistant quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens and slot wide receiver coach Sawyer Jordan

According to Schlabach, Weis was the only member of that quintet who flew back to campus with the Rebels after defeating Georgia and he is expected to coach against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

Schlabach added that there is a "plan in place" for the other assistants to go to Baton Rouge where LSU is preparing to host players who have entered the transfer portal.

Kiffin had an acrimonious split with Ole Miss, including some of his players publicly accusing him of lying in his farewell statement when he said the team asked him to coach the Rebels in the playoff.

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter also explained that Kiffin was aware weeks before he took the LSU job that he wouldn't be allowed to coach in the College Football Playoff if he left.

Pete Golding replaced Kiffin as the Rebels head coach after spending three seasons as defensive coordinator. He has led them to wins over Tulane and Georgia to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Mississippi and Miami will play in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 with a spot in the College Football Playoff Championship on the line.