Lane Kiffin commiserated with Josh Heupel over the familiar feeling of losing to Alabama.
Tennesee squandered a double-digit lead and allowed 27 straight points in Saturday’s 34-20 loss to the Crimson Tide. After the game, the Volunteers head coach spoke volumes by staying quiet when asked if he considered the officiated lopsided in Alabama’s favor.
“Next question, yeah,” Heupel said. “Was that a long enough silence?”
Kiffin sympathized with Heupel when responding to the clip on social media.
“I love this reaction!! Been in that same press conference in Orange in that same staduim [sic]. I know that feeling,” Kiffin wrote.”
I love this reaction !! Been in that same press conference in Orange in that same staduim. I know that feeling. @Vol_Football https://t.co/uOfYJwnaOM
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) October 22, 2023
Kiffin received his first collegiate head coaching job with Tennessee in 2009. He suffered a 12-10 loss to No. 1-ranked Alabama during a 7-6 season.
Five years later, Kiffin joined Nick Saban’s staff as the offensive coordinator. Alabama won all three games over Tennessee during his tenure.
He’s now back to unsuccessfully trying to take down the Crimson Tide. Kiffin dropped to 0-4 against Alabama as Ole Miss’ head coach when the Rebels got called for eight penalties in a 24-10 loss last month.
Kiffin can understand Heupel’s frustration, but he’s probably feeling a bit better than his colleague this weekend. Ole Miss improved to 6-1 with a 28-21 victory at Auburn.
While Tennessee dropped four spots to No. 21 in the updated AP poll, Kiffin’s crew moved up to No. 12. The Rebels will look to extend their three-game winning streak against Vanderbilt.