New LSU HC Lane Kiffin drops 2-word reaction on Ole Miss hiring John Davis Baker as offensive coordinator

Lane Kiffin is rooting for the Ole Miss Rebels in their quest for the 2025 national championship. The new LSU Tigers head coach issued a two-word reaction following his old team's hiring of John Davis Baker as offensive coordinator.

Kiffin took to X (formerly Twitter), and wrote,

"Great hire!!!!! 🔥"

His reply was in response to a post by Pete Thamel, writing,

"East Carolina offensive coordinator John David Baker is headed to Ole Miss as the offensive coordinator, a source confirms to ESPN. ECU officials have been informed he's expected to take the job. CBS first reported the hire."

John David Baker is no stranger to Ole Miss. The Rebels hired Baker as their tight ends coach and passing game coordinator on January 28, 2021. He was later promoted to co-Offensive Coordinator, effective at the start of the 2022 season.

The East Carolina Pirates appointed Baker as offensive coordinator on December 2, 2023. He's now making his way back to the Rebels and serving as Pete Golding’s first offensive coordinator.

Lane Kiffin sends help to Ole Miss ahead of playoffs

Lane Kiffin promised to support LSU in their quest for a national championship. According to Athlon Sports, Kiffin has granted permission for four current LSU offensive assistants to return to Oxford on Wednesday to assist Ole Miss in preparing for the College Football Playoffs alongside offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.

The returnees include wide receivers coach George McDonald, tight ends coach Joe Cox, assistant quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens and slot receivers coach Sawyer Jordan. The quartet was part of Kiffin’s offensive staff entering this season at Ole Miss before joining him at LSU. Lane Kiffin is still assembling his staff ahead of the 2026 college football season; however, he's all on board with a handful of them to help his old team go as far as possible in the playoffs.

The Ole Miss Rebels will face off against the Tulane Green Wave in the first round of the Playoffs. They will look to continue their impressive form this season despite being without their long-time head coach for the crucial run-in. Here's how to watch the game:

• Date: December 20, 2025
• Venue: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Livestream: FuboTV and DAZN
• TV Channel: TNT and TruTV