Lane Kiffin was not in favor of the SEC bringing iPads to the sidelines this season
DALLAS — Technology is moving forward at a rapid pace with its integration into college football and this week brought about a step that will catch the sport up to the NFL. This change is one that might not benefit Ole Miss.
An agreement between the Southeastern Conference and Apple was announced on Monday by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Part of the agreement will bring iPads to the sideline for teams to utilize in-game.
This news comes on the heels of the NCAA allowing in-helmet communications to be used, starting this season. One player on offense and a player on defense will be able to hear from the coaches on the sideline prior to each play.
Now with the inclusions of iPads in-game film can be dissected in real time.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has expressed his views of the helmet communications being a “cheat code” for his offense. When asked on Monday at SEC Media days about the use of iPads Kiffin’s sentiments were very different.
“I really wasn’t for it but that’s just for my own reasons,” Kiffin said. “I’d rather the other team not have it because we go so fast that I don’t think they see a lot of it. So now it allows them to see what really happened. Most coaches were for it. Like anything that comes in with new college rules we’ll just try to maximize the situation and do the best with it.”
Ole Miss is synonymous with an up-tempo offense since Kiffin took over in 2020. Giving the opposing defenses the ability to see what caused a play to not work or what the Rebels offense
The video provided to each team’s sideline will include the broadcast feed and camera angles from the coach’s sideline and coach’s end zone.
Tablets have been used in the NFL since 2014 through an agreement with Microsoft.
“I am pleased to acknowledge that as we explore new ways to use technology in our competitive experiences and to advance the sport of football, we’re proud to work with Apple to introduce iPads for sideline use during the upcoming football season to elevate the performance of our student-athletes,” Sankey said during his speech to kick off SEC Media Days on Monday.”
