Lane Kiffin says 8- or 9-game schedule debate 'wasn't really on the agenda' for SEC coaches

The SEC schedule debate is raging on in Destin, FL, at least for some of us. In what has been viewed as a massive talking point on the outside, SEC coaches have not been too keen on discussing the subject. Few have provided their opinion and others, such as head coach Lane Kiffin, have said it’s not that big of a deal.

“We really didn’t debate the nine and eight today as much as you guys think,” Kiffin said. “It really did not come up about who wants what. We actually did that more a year ago. It wasn’t really on the agenda.”

This time last year, everything looked different for the SEC. Texas and Oklahoma were not going to be joining until the 2025 season, giving the conference time. But even in what has turned into a bit of a time crunch, coaches and athletic directors may leave Destin without a true answer.

As for how it affects Ole Miss directly, Kiffin once again did not seem too bothered with the conversation. His mindset was simple — whoever the SEC puts on their schedule, the Rebels will be ready to play. Kiffin does not believe much of what he has to say will influence the room.

“I don’t really get into the eight vs. nine,” Kiffin said. “I kind of worry about things when I am going to have a say. So, they’re going to do what they’re going to do. Regardless of what the coaches say regardless of what I say on eight vs. nine. So, whatever the schedule is, we’ll deal with it when it happens.”

If eight games wind up being the decision, there will not be too much debate in Oxford on who the one opponent will be. The SEC will keep the Egg Bowl intact, watching Ole Miss and Mississippi State compete in one of the conference’s fiercest rivalries. Nothing else really comes close for either program and will be an easy decision.

Looking at three potential permanent opponents and Ole Miss has some intrigue on its hand. SEC West rivalries have been formed over the years, especially since Kiffin took over the program. Plenty of candidates are out there.

Either way, Kiffin is just going to go out there and coach his team. He does not seem too interested in debating about how many SEC games Ole Miss will have to play in the future.