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UCLA football: Top 5 head coaching candidates who could replace Chip Kelly

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts after a touchdown during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts after a touchdown during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss head coach

I know what you’re already thinking: why the heck would Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss to coach at UCLA when he’s already building something in Oxford?

Honestly, I don’t have an answer for you other than the fact that money speaks.

Also, I’ve seen Kiffin’s name mentioned a ton in regards to some openings, including this one, and whenever that’s the case, there’s usually some fire behind the smoke. Basically, I think Kiffin is more willing to listen to offers than some other coaches. He’s proven in the past that the right offer can persuade him (right, Tennessee fans?).

Kiffin played college ball on the West Coast at Fresno State and that’s where he actually started his coaching career as a grad assistant. He’s also been the head coach of USC as well as the Oakland Raiders, so going out that way is not foreign to him.

Plus, he has to hate USC for the way they let him go. That’s why this would be intriguing.

What better way to get back at USC for the way his tenure ended than to build UCLA into a perennial contender and beat the Trojans constantly? That would be a fun storyline.

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