Mississippi players and Kiffin not on same page

New Louisiana State coach Lane Kiffin really wanted to remain at Mississippi through the College Football Playoffs.

- By Cuuck SCHILKEN

LANE KIFFIN and his players parted ways before a possible playoff appearance.

(ROGELIO V. SOLIS Associated Press)

The players wanted the same thing — or at least that’s what Kiffin said Sunday in a statement announcing his decision to leave the Rebels after almost six seasons and join their fierce Southeastern Conference rivals.

“I was hoping to complete a historic six-season run with this year’s team by leading Ole Miss through the playoffs, capitalizing on the team’s incredible success and their commitment to finish strong, and investing everything into a playoff run with guardrails in place to protect the program in any areas of concern,” Kiffin wrote.

“My request to do so was denied by [athletic director] Keith Carter despite the team also asking him to allow me to keep coaching them so they could better maintain their high level of performance.”