LSU and Lane Kiffin are reportedly set to hire Kevin Smith, the running backs coach at Ole Miss. This move comes as Smith is the latest in a line of former Ole Miss staff members joining Kiffin's staff at LSU. Smith's arrival at the LSU facility on Sunday, alongside other Rebels' staff members, was captured in a video, indicating a potential staff shake-up. Smith's expertise in developing running backs is evident through his work with players like Quinshon Judkins and Kewan Lacy. Lacy, in particular, had a standout season, rushing for 21 touchdowns and amassing 1,366 rushing yards, ranking him sixth in the FBS. This success is attributed, in part, to Smith's coaching. The running backs coach's contributions have helped set Ole Miss program records, including yards per play and total yards, during the 2024 campaign. However, the story takes a twist as Quinshon Judkins, another of Smith's protégés, transferred to Ohio State. This transfer raises questions about the dynamics between coaches and players, and the potential impact on future recruitment and team morale. The move to LSU represents a significant shift for both Kiffin and Smith, and it will be interesting to see how this new chapter unfolds.
