What do you do when your playoff dreams crash and burn? If you’re Lane Kiffin, you throw it back to the glory days and make headlines on Instagram. Missing out on the postseason might sting for the Ole Miss Rebels, but Kiffin? He’s out here reminiscing about 2022 spring concerts with George Kittle, the $75M tight end of the San Francisco 49ers, like it’s no big deal. It’s classic Kiffin—polarizing, antics-filled, and unapologetically himself. But let’s be real: this IG nostalgia flex? It’s low-key got Rebels fans scratching their heads as they brace for the Gator Bowl against Duke on Jan. 2.

On December 21, Kiffin took to his Instagram story to resurface an old clip of him and Kittle living it up at a concert, reposted from former Ole Miss tight end Jonathan Hess. The video screams “throwback vibes” and not-so-subtly shifts the focus away from Ole Miss’ rocky season. For context, the Rebels went 9-3, missing the playoffs after a season that felt like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded.

One minute, they were toppling the mighty Georgia Bulldogs 28-10 in week 11; the next, they were getting humbled by a 4-8 Kentucky squad in Week 5. The Rebels sealed their playoff fate with a gut-wrenching loss to Bill Napier’s Florida Gators in Week 13.

Rebels fans were hoping for champagne, but instead, they got lukewarm Ole Miss sweet tea. And Kiffin? He’s taking it all in stride, throwing up old clips to remind folks that he’s still that guy. But you gotta wonder: is this Kiffin trying to distract us and himself from a lackluster season, or is this just him being… well, Kiffin?

Lane Kiffin’s antics: A blessing or a curse and Ole Miss season-ending note?

Let’s not kid ourselves—Lane Kiffin is the ultimate wild card in college football. One minute, he’s trolling rivals on Twitter; the next, he’s finding punters at frat parties. Yes, frat parties. Back in 2022, Kiffin discovered punter Charlie Pollock while attending an Ole Miss fraternity shindig. Love him or hate him, the guy knows how to keep himself in the conversation, even when his team’s postseason chances are toast.

Ole Miss’ season was a mix of heartbreak and highlights. Taking down Georgia? Legendary. Losing to a subpar Kentucky team? Not so much. And while fans might still be salty about missing the playoffs, Kiffin’s personality ensures the program stays in the spotlight. But here’s the kicker: can he turn the Rebels’ cult-like following into consistent wins, or will Ole Miss remain a team that’s more about vibes than victories?

The upcoming Gator Bowl against Duke on Jan. 2 might not be the playoff stage Rebels fans dreamed of, but it’s a chance to end the season on a high note. Kiffin’s Rebels will need to bring their A-game to Jacksonville, and if there’s one thing we know about Lane, it’s that he thrives on proving people wrong. In the end, Lane Kiffin is unapologetically Lane Kiffin. Whether he’s trolling rivals, reminiscing about concerts with NFL stars, or pulling stunts that leave fans divided, he keeps things interesting. Love him or hate him, you’re still talking about him—and maybe that’s the real win in Kiffin’s playbook.