Could Lane Kiffin Be Headed to the NFL? Colin Cowherd Thinks So
When Colin Cowherd offers an opinion, it tends to spark debate. During a recent episode of The Herd Live, Cowherd suggested that Lane Kiffin, the offensive mastermind behind Ole Miss’s success, deserves serious consideration for an NFL job. He even hinted that the Miami Dolphins could be an ideal fit.
The take quickly caught attention across the football world. Could the Rebels’ head coach, once exiled from the NFL after a rocky stint with the Raiders, truly make a return to the pros? And if so, is Miami the right landing spot?
The Case for Kiffin in the NFL
Few coaches have evolved like Lane Kiffin. Once known for brash confidence and quick exits, Kiffin has since rebuilt his reputation through discipline, innovation, and player development. At Ole Miss, he has established a high-powered offense that consistently ranks among the nation’s best.
Kiffin’s offensive philosophy blends tempo, space, and quarterback efficiency. It mirrors much of what has become standard in today’s NFL. From his early days as an assistant under Pete Carroll to his offensive renaissance in Oxford, Kiffin has proven that he understands modern football at every level.
Colin Cowherd praised Kiffin’s vision, calling him “the architect of the next ten years.” In a league craving creativity, adaptability, and energy, that endorsement carries weight. Kiffin’s system, built on constant motion and mismatches, could easily translate to Sundays.
Why Miami Makes Sense
The Miami Dolphins are loaded with offensive talent. However, consistency has been an issue, and general manager Chris Grier’s recent departure has left the door open for organizational change.
Kiffin’s personality fits Miami’s brand perfectly: bold, confident, and headline-worthy. Owner Stephen Ross has never shied away from splashy moves, and hiring a proven college innovator could be exactly the reset the franchise needs.
With Kiffin’s offensive mind and Miami’s roster speed, the pairing feels like a natural fit, at least on paper.
The Challenges of Making the Jump
Still, Kiffin’s road back to the NFL would not be simple. His first tenure with the Raiders in 2007 was brief and tumultuous, ending in a public feud with ownership. But the version of Kiffin we see today is far different: more experienced, more composed, and far more strategic.
Yet, the NFL is a different game. Salary caps, locker room dynamics, and media pressure create a steep learning curve. Even successful college coaches often struggle to adjust. For every Pete Carroll success story, there are cautionary tales like Chip Kelly or Urban Meyer.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is still under contract through 2025. Despite some inconsistency, he remains respected for his offensive creativity. Unless ownership makes a surprising move, Kiffin’s path to South Beach would likely have to wait.
Why the Buzz Makes Sense
Even if it’s early to predict a move, Cowherd’s comment reflects something real: Lane Kiffin’s NFL stock is rising again. His name surfaces almost every offseason because he represents the future of offensive football, which is analytics-driven, explosive, and player-centric.
If the right opportunity arises, one offering autonomy and patience, Kiffin could succeed professionally. The Dolphins, with a fast roster and an aggressive front office, could be a compelling fit when that time comes.
Final Thoughts
Lane Kiffin’s journey has been one of redemption and reinvention. From being the youngest head coach in NFL history to becoming one of college football’s most respected minds, he’s proven he can adapt and evolve.
So, could Lane Kiffin be headed back to the NFL? Colin Cowherd seems to think so, and the idea no longer feels far-fetched. If the stars align and if Miami truly wants to make a statement, the next bold era of Dolphins football could have Kiffin written all over it.
