ESPN recently released its predictions for the Tennessee Volunteers’ next head coach for the 2025 season, and the name they’ve thrown into the mix is one that has Vols fans buzzing with excitement. According to the sports network, Josh Heupel’s successor could very well be Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Ole Miss and a former Tennessee assistant coach.
Kiffin’s name has been floating around the Vols’ coaching search for years, particularly since his tumultuous departure from the program back in 2009. At the time, Kiffin left Tennessee just one season into his tenure, leaving a bitter taste among fans and alumni. However, over the past decade, Kiffin has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic and successful coaches in college football, gaining recognition for his innovative offense and ability to turn struggling programs into contenders.
Under Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss has become a powerhouse in the SEC, with a high-octane offense that’s consistently among the best in the nation. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, combined with his knack for developing quarterbacks and creating explosive offensive schemes, has made him a popular figure in coaching circles.
For Tennessee fans, the thought of Kiffin returning to Knoxville is both nostalgic and thrilling. Despite his rocky exit, Kiffin has matured as a coach and seems to have repaired many of the relationships he once fractured. His ability to build and sustain a winning program is undeniable, and many Vols supporters believe he could be the one to return Tennessee to its former glory.
Additionally, Kiffin’s connection to the Tennessee program runs deep. He served as the Vols’ offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2004 under head coach Phillip Fulmer and left a lasting mark on the team’s offensive identity. His familiarity with the university and its culture would undoubtedly give him an advantage in rebuilding a Tennessee program that’s struggled to find sustained success in recent years.
Of course, this prediction is speculative, but the idea of Lane Kiffin returning to Tennessee has Vols fans excited for the possibility. With his track record of success, Kiffin’s potential return could be just the spark the program needs to reignite its championship aspirations. The Vols are looking for a coach who can build on the success of Heupel’s tenure, and Kiffin’s name seems like a perfect fit for the next era in Tennessee football.