LSU coach Lane Kiffin joined The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and was given an opportunity to address one of the biggest controversies in college football — the Tigers adding players to their roster after those players had already spent time in NFL training camps.
Kiffin pushed back on some of the characterization surrounding LSU's moves, explaining that the unusual situation was created by court rulings involving a group of college athletes who were determined to have been improperly denied an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA.
According to Kiffin, the issue extends well beyond LSU and even beyond college football, with athletes in multiple sports receiving relief through the courts.
Kiffin stressed that the players aren't simply NFL players deciding on their own to return to college. Instead, they fall into a specific group of athletes who have received court protection allowing them another season of collegiate competition.
LSU has been aggressive in taking advantage of the changing eligibility landscape, drawing considerable national attention in the process.
Kiffin made it clear during his McAfee appearance that LSU's motivation isn't complicated: The Tigers are trying to construct the most competitive roster possible.
He described the program's pursuit of "competitive greatness" and pushed back against criticism that adding experienced players necessarily comes at the expense of players already on LSU's roster. Kiffin pointed to available roster space created by injuries and other circumstances as part of the equation.
The LSU coach also sees another benefit to bringing players back from NFL organizations.
Those players have experienced professional football firsthand — NFL practices, meetings, coaching and the expectations that come with competing for a roster spot. Kiffin believes they can bring those lessons and an added level of maturity back into a college locker room.
Of course, Kiffin is no stranger to controversy.
McAfee and Kiffin also discussed the LSU coach increasingly being portrayed as one of college football's "villains." Kiffin seemed comfortable with the label, noting how quickly perceptions of coaches can shift between hero and villain.
His larger point was unmistakable: Outside criticism isn't going to keep him from making moves he believes can help LSU win.
Kiffin also touched on quarterback Sam Leavitt during the appearance, praising his competitiveness and maturity. The LSU coach expressed confidence in Leavitt as he prepares to lead the Tigers after working his way back from an injury earlier this year.
But the most notable portion of Kiffin's appearance centered on the roster controversy that has LSU squarely in the national spotlight.
Kiffin isn't running from it.
And if the rules — or in this case, the courts — say LSU can improve its roster, Kiffin appears more than willing to do it.
