Louisiana officials coordinate security for LSU coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss game
State police and university officials are arranging additional security measures for LSU head coach Lane Kiffin as his team travels to Oxford for a prime-time matchup with Ole Miss.
Louisiana State Police said they will work with LSU, Ole Miss and the Mississippi Highway Patrol to protect coach Lane Kiffin and the LSU football team during their trip to Oxford, Mississippi, for a prime-time game this weekend. The matchup pits two unbeaten SEC teams against each other and will be accompanied by ESPN's College GameDay.
The New Orleans Police Department initially reported that four mounted officers would be deployed to assist with Kiffin's security, but later clarified that no officers would be sent after a miscommunication.
LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry said he has spoken with Ole Miss officials and is satisfied with the security plan. Governor Jeff Landry suggested that military assets could be considered for additional protection, noting the potential need for National Guard involvement.
The security arrangements come amid ongoing tensions related to Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss and a recent lawsuit filed by the SEC alleging improper recruitment practices by LSU. The conference has indicated that discussions with LSU and the SEC commissioner will continue to resolve the dispute, and a vote to remove LSU from the conference is no longer being considered.