Miss has a contingency plan in place: if Lane Kiffin accepts the head coaching job at LSU, current quarterbacks coach and former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge will be promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season, including the College Football Playoff, multiple sources told ESPN on Saturday night.
The move would allow the No. 6 Rebels (11-1) to maintain stability and continuity as they prepare for a likely first-round home playoff game on December 19 or 20 and navigate the early signing period that begins Wednesday, December 3.
Kiffin, who just led Ole Miss to its best regular season in over six decades, has been presented with a massive contract offer from LSU and has until Sunday, November 30 — today — to give athletic director Keith Carter a final decision, sources say. Kiffin met with Carter on Friday afternoon following the Rebels’ 38-19 Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State, but no announcement has been made as of Sunday morning.
Why Joe Judge?
Judge, 43, joined Kiffin’s staff in 2024 as a senior offensive analyst before being promoted to quarterbacks coach ahead of the 2025 cycle. He has played a significant role in the development of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels’ top-10 scoring offense.
Despite a challenging two-year stint as head coach of the New York Giants (2020–21, 10-23 record), Judge brings actual head-coaching experience, a strong relationship with Kiffin, and deep familiarity with the current roster and scheme — making him the ideal bridge option if Kiffin departs immediately.
Sources indicate Ole Miss does not intend to allow Kiffin to coach the Rebels in the playoff if he has already accepted the LSU job, a common practice to avoid awkward optics against an SEC rival.
What Happens Next?
• If Kiffin stays: Business as usual. Ole Miss continues preparation for the playoff and the SEC Championship Game possibility (should Alabama lose the Iron Bowl).
• If Kiffin leaves: Judge takes over immediately, the staff largely stays intact for continuity, and Ole Miss begins a full-scale search for its next permanent head coach.
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