LSU, Lane Kiffin set to hire Ole Mis running backs coach

LSU is expected to hire Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith, sources tell On3. Smith arrived at the LSU facility on Sunday with other Rebels’ staff members joining Lane Kiffin’s staff in Baton Rouge, as seen in a video released by the Tigers.

Smith is the latest former Ole Miss staffer under Kiffin who is joining the head coach at LSU. Smith has developed Quinshon Judkins and Kewan Lacy, among others. Lacy rushed for 21 TDs this season, averaging five yards per carry. His 1,366 rushing yards on the season rank sixth in FBS. Smith is in his third year back as the running backs coach at Ole Miss.

Lacy has emerged as a key piece of the Ole Miss offense, which beat Tulane in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday. His success is in part due to Smith. The running back coach’s room helped contribute to several Ole Miss program records during the 2024 campaign, including yards per play (7.3) and total yards (6,845).

Smith also developed Quinshon Judkins, who later transferred to Ohio State. During his time in Oxford with Smith, Judkins tallied his two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.