Pete Thamel provides Lane Kiffin update that could sit well with LSU fans

To the delight of Tiger fans everywhere, it appears that LSU is the frontrunner to win the Lane Kiffin sweepstakes. ESPN's Pete Thamel provided an update on Kiffin's situation on College GameDay on Saturday morning, and LSU fans are liking what they are hearing.

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According to Thamel, LSU is the main competition for Ole Miss in landing Kiffin's services. Thamel states that Florida is still in the mix as well, but LSU is focusing in solely on Kiffin, whereas Florida has cast a wide net in their coaching search.

Pete Thamel gives LSU fans optimism in Lane Kiffin sweepstakes

Thamel also mentioned that Kiffin is expected to become one of the highest paid coaches in all of college football. Kirby Smart makes approximately $13 million at Georgia, and Kiffin's new contract wherever he goes is expected to be in that range. On Friday, On3 reported that LSU was preparing to offer Kiffin roughly $90 million to become the next head coach in Baton Rouge. Furthermore, LSU was preparing to offer roster cash of approximately $25 million.

Should he accept the LSU job, Kiffin will take over a program that is hungry to compete for another national title. Brian Kelly was fired on October 26 after an embarrassing 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, which proved to be the final straw in his tenure. Kelly left Baton Rouge without ever leading the Tigers to the College Football Playoff and owning a 34-14 overall record with a 19-10 mark in SEC play.

An announcement regarding Kiffin's future is expected to come on Saturday, November 29. Ole Miss plays in the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State the day before, and Ole Miss AD Keith Carter posted a statement to social media stating that Kiffin is focused on battling Mississippi State. LSU fans are waiting with bated breath to see what he decides, but Thamel's update has Tiger fans feeling good about their chances.