When you hear the name Lane Kiffin, you can’t help but think of a dynamic offense, a confident swagger, and maybe a viral quip or two. But this offseason, the head coach of Ole Miss found himself in an unfamiliar position – scrambling not for a play call, but for bodies inside his recruitment department. Three key staffers had left the program, leaving the Rebels’ recruiting efforts in disarray just months before the start of the new season.
This sudden exodus of personnel was definitely a blow to the program. But instead of dwelling on the losses, Kiffin quickly shifted his focus to finding a new approach to recruiting. And with his trademark energy and determination, he has managed to turn this setback into an opportunity to revamp and improve the recruiting process at Ole Miss.
One of the first steps Kiffin took was to bring in a new Director of On-Campus Recruiting, Chris Kiffin. Chris, Lane’s younger brother, is no stranger to the world of college football. He has previously served as a defensive line coach at Ole Miss and is well-respected within the coaching community. With his experience and expertise, Chris is the perfect candidate to lead the Rebels’ recruitment efforts.
But it wasn’t just the addition of Chris Kiffin that caught everyone’s attention. Lane also brought in two other key hires – Director of Player Personnel, Cody Kennedy, and Director of Recruiting Operations, Jake Thornton. Both Kennedy and Thornton have a wealth of experience in college football, and their knowledge and skills will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the program.
With this new team in place, Lane Kiffin has wasted no time in implementing a new and improved recruiting strategy. One of the major changes that he has made is the use of technology. With the ongoing pandemic, traditional in-person visits and meetings have become nearly impossible. So, Kiffin has turned to virtual recruiting – utilizing video calls, virtual tours, and social media to connect with potential recruits.
This shift to virtual recruiting has not only allowed the coaching staff to continue their recruitment efforts amidst the pandemic, but it has also opened up new possibilities. With the use of technology, the Rebels are now able to reach out to a wider pool of recruits, including those who may not have been able to visit the campus in person. This has given Ole Miss a competitive advantage in the recruiting game.
Another key change that Kiffin has implemented is the emphasis on building relationships. While most coaches focus on selling their program and its facilities, Kiffin is taking a different approach. He believes that building genuine relationships with recruits and their families is crucial in the recruiting process. By getting to know the recruits on a personal level, Kiffin and his staff can better understand their needs and goals, and in turn, better sell the program.
This new approach to recruiting has already shown promising results. The Rebels’ 2021 class is currently ranked among the top 25 in the nation, and they have received commitments from some highly sought-after recruits. This is a testament to Kiffin’s ability to adapt and his determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity.
But this is just the beginning for Lane Kiffin and his new recruiting approach. With the 2021 class shaping up to be a strong one, the Rebels are already setting their sights on the 2022 class. And with a solid team in place and a newfound focus on relationships and technology, there is no doubt that Ole Miss will continue to attract top talent in the years to come.
Lane Kiffin’s ability to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity for growth and improvement is a testament to his leadership and vision. He has not only managed to fill the gaps in his recruitment department but has also taken it to the next level. With a renewed focus on relationships and the use of technology, the Rebels’ recruiting efforts are stronger than ever. And with a coach like Lane Kiffin at the helm, the future looks bright for Ole Miss football.