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SAN FRANCISCO – Lane Kiffin caused controversy when he decided to leave Ole Miss for LSU.
Kiffin instantly became the most hated man in Oxford after leaving the Rebels high and dry just as the College Football Playoff was about to begin, agreeing to a contract worth nearly $100 million.
One of Kiffin’s former Ole Miss quarterbacks, however, respected the coach’s decision.
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Jaxson Dart of the Mississippi Rebels celebrates after being named MVP alongside head coach Lane Kiffin (R) after the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Duke Blue Devils at EverBank Stadium on January 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“I understand it was a tough decision for him,” New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart told PK Press Club Digital on the radio.
“Just because of everything that’s been offered at LSU. I have my relationship and my ties are at Ole Miss. So I’m excited about the future of Ole Miss and Pete. [Golding] and how the organization and the program is going to go, but I also have a lot of love for coach Kiff and I know he will do a good job as well.”
Dart’s Giants, of course, had their own head coaching search, but Dart said he didn’t put Kiffin’s name in the hat. He is, however, thrilled with John Harbaugh.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks during the press conference announcing his hiring at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. (Ed Mulholland/Imagn Images)
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“Obviously he was the hottest name on the market and he was the guy we all wanted,” Dart said of his new head coach. “So when we found out and had the opportunity to play for him, everyone was hyped and excited. I just think his person and his identity is something that’s very respected within the league.
“From the conversations I’ve had, he sees the game exactly the same way that I do and we do, and, you know, he’s eager to get things moving in the right direction.”
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks to the media after being introduced during a press conference at the NFL Football Practice Facility. The event took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. (Adam Hunger/AP Photo)
The Giants fired Brian Daboll during the season after numerous blown fourth-quarter leads. Harbaugh was released by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons.
