“We’ll Be Fine Without Our Narcissist Jerk Coach”: Archie Manning Sends Sharp New Year’s Message Amid Lane Kiffin Exit

Lane Kiffin stepped away from his role as Ole Miss’ head coach after six seasons in charge. His decision to leave Oxford for LSU quickly turned into one of the most talked-about storylines across the entire landscape of college football.

Now, Ole Miss legend Archie Manning appeared to take a subtle jab at Kiffin.

“Now, I know what big Rebel fans you, David, and Scott are, and I want to also thank you for being a big, big fan of mine,” Manning said in a video. “As you know, the Rebels had a great year. I think we’re going to do great in the playoffs without our narcissist jerk coach. I sure hope so. Here’s a New Year’s blessing to the Don of the Kelly family.”

Woah there! Archie did not hold back when sharing his thoughts on Lane Kiffin. pic.twitter.com/MwDvCqKrMf

— Caleb Salers (@CalebSalersST) December 10, 2025

Before his departure for LSU, Kiffin was enjoying what many consider the best stretch of his head coaching career. Under his leadership, the Rebels surged to an impressive 11–1 regular season record.

This wasn’t the first time Archie Manning had taken a verbal swing at Kiffin. During a recent appearance on WWLA, Manning openly criticized the move and even pointed fingers at Nick Saban’s influence in pushing Kiffin toward LSU.

“Well, we didn’t have a chance to keep him at Ole Miss because we had God and Nick Saban telling him to go to LSU,” Manning said. 

Manning’s status at Ole Miss remains untouchable. In the late 1960s, he was the face of the Rebels’ football program. As their starting quarterback, he guided the team to major victories. In honor of his lasting legacy, Ole Miss permanently retired his No. 18 jersey.

Lane Kiffin Faces Uncertain Scenario With Frank Wilson 

Kiffin is determined to turn around LSU after pushing Ole Miss to a playoff berth this season. As he is assembling his coaching staff for his first season in Baton Rouge, the future of former interim head coach Frank Wilson remains uncertain with the Tigers.

“Frank Wilson says he’s received no clarity on his future with @LSUfootball. #LSU,” WAFB-TV Sports Director Jacques Doucet tweeted.

Wilson stepped in as interim head coach after Brian Kelly was fired midseason. Ahead of this stint with LSU, he earlier served as the Tigers’ associate head coach, running backs coach, and run game coordinator from 2015 to 2019.

Frank Wilson says he’s received no clarity on his future with @LSUfootball. #LSU

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) December 9, 2025

Wilson can be a key piece for Kiffin, as he is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top recruiters over the years. He was named National Recruiter of the Year by Rivals (2011) and the top recruiter in all of college football by NFL.com (2014).

Wilson also assisted in securing LSU’s 2026 signing class alongside Kiffin during the early signing period. After LSU’s 17-13 loss to Oklahoma to end the regular season, he spoke on his desire to remain with the Tigers.

“I love LSU,” Wilson said. “As long as LSU will have me, I’d love to be a part of what we’re doing here.”

Wilson is now preparing the LSU squad to battle the Houston Cougars in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27. He previously worked with Kiffin at Tennessee as the wide receivers coach in 2009.