Top 5 rivalries between college football head coaches

5. Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss) vs. Mike Leach (Mississippi State)

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach are two of the most unusual but interesting coaches in college football. When Kiffin and Leach became the head coach of their programs, the college football world became highly intrigued by this potential rivalry.

There was the belief that rivalry would be a petty rivalry between the most brilliant but bizarre minds in college football. Instead, the Egg Bowl Rivalry between Mississippi State and Ole Miss is led by two head coaches with a unique and respectful relationship.

While Kiffin and Leach use their unusual minds to try and outwit their opposing coaches. When it is time for the Egg Bowl, all antics are pushed aside as they try to settle their respectful rivalry on the field.

Kiffin has won the two matchups so far in the battle between the brilliant offensive minds. Last season, the #9 Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville 31-21.
Their chemistry on the opposite sides of the field goes beyond football. When college coaches met as lobbyists to change the state flag of Mississippi back in 2020, Kiffin and Leach were front row.

Another bizarre, funny moment between the head coaches was when Kiffin went to shake hands with all the coaches before the event started. When Kiffin got to Leach, Kiffin went to shake his hand, but Leach opted to tug at Kiffin’s facemask.

This is a friendship and a rivalry that shouldn’t be going any time soon.