Lane Kiffin Rises in Latest 2026 SEC Coach Rankings

CBS Sports released SEC Head Coach rankings on Monday, with LSU's Lane Kiffin slotted at No. 4.

Kiffin was previously ranked No. 5 in the SEC last season.

For this year, Georgia's Kirby Smart was ranked No. 1, followed by Texas' Steve Sarkisian and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer.

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4. Lane Kiffin, LSU
National rank: No. 9

Kiffin's climb into college football's coaching elite has been fueled by offensive innovation, roster management and an ability to keep his program relevant on the national stage. Now at LSU, the expectations rise considerably. This is a program built to chase national championships armed with elite recruiting territory, aggressive NIL support and an administration willing to provide every necessary resource. After signing the nation's No. 1 transfer portal class, this roster is as talented as any nationally.

Kiffin no longer needs to manufacture advantages from a perceived underdog position. He has the talent and financial backing to challenge the SEC's best immediately. The standard is not simply reaching the CFP. It is winning it. LSU gives him the clearest opportunity of his career to punctuate his coaching legacy with a championship. Last year: No. 5 in SEC

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