ESPN Reportedly Rejected Lane Kiffin’s Bizarre Request For The Sugar Bowl

Lane Kiffin reportedly made a request to ESPN ahead of his appearance at the Sugar Bowl, but to no avail.

The third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will meet Lane Kiffin’s old team, the Ole Miss Rebels, in Thursday’s Sugar Bowl game. The winner there will book a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Ahead of the highly anticipated showdown, it has been reported that Kiffin might appear at the Sugar Bowl. The game will be played at the iconic Caesars Superdome, home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

Not only that, but Kiffin reportedly submitted an interesting request to the Worldwide Leader in Sports. However, it appears they aren’t keen on granting it.

According to Chris Low of On3.com, Lane Kiffin asked ESPN if he could appear in the broadcast booth during the Sugar Bowl. Barring a change of mind, it appears his wish will go unanswered:

“Several people at Ole Miss and LSU expect Kiffin to attend the Sugar Bowl, perhaps with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. Sources told On3 that Kiffin has even reached out to ESPN personnel about possibly appearing in the broadcast booth for a segment during the game, although sources say ESPN hasn’t been receptive.”

Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will call the Rebels-Bulldogs game with Holly Rowe.

Lane Kiffin Has Faced Immense Criticism Over Ole Miss Departure

Lane Kiffin (Photo by Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)

Get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google!

Despite leading the Rebels to the 12-team College Football Playoff, Lane Kiffin didn’t wait long to leave. He left for the LSU Tigers, signing a lucrative $91 million deal following their decision to fire Brian Kelly.

Kiffin, predictably, faced tremendous criticism for leaving his powerhouse football program to accept a larger offer. With Kiffin abruptly leaving, Pete Golding was named the interim head coach.

It wasn’t a surprise when Kalen DeBoer left the Washington Huskies to succeed Nick Saban at Alabama in 2024. But at least the Huskies’ season had ended when he went to take the Crimson Tide position.

Kiffin built a championship-caliber program at Ole Miss, but he decided he didn’t want to see it through. Only time will tell how the decision pays off, but one can’t blame the Rebels and their fans for holding any hard feelings.