Kiffin claims he wasnât trying to cause stir with Kevin Steele comment
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin made headlines Sunday, when he said he believed Alabama football’s defense was being led against South Florida by cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson instead of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. The comment drew a response from Nick Saban Monday, when the Crimson Tide’s coach said the staff had made some administrative changes to get calls to players quicker, but Steele was still in charge.
Speaking Monday, former Alabama offensive coordinator Kiffin, who has reveled in playing mind games with Saban since leaving Tuscaloosa, claimed he didn’t intend to make a stir.
“I was asked the question what it was like going against a Steele defense, so I wasn’t trying to start this big thing,” Kiffin said during his Monday press conference. “We saw things on the TV copy just where it was different.”
Saban addressed Kiffin’s initial comments during the opening statement of his Monday press conference. He reiterated that Steele, who coaches from the booth, was the defensive coordinator and said the entire staff had adjusted after the Texas game to make things run smoother.
Kiffin continued Monday to explain what he and his staff saw on film.
“First off with what the play looked like, the calls and stuff, so we looked into that further,” Kiffin said. “And then, I mean, ain’t no secret. People in these buildings know each other, so obviously got some information that way too. So you know, it just is what it is.”
Kiffin went on to discuss how the perceived differences impact how the Rebels are preparing for Alabama.
“(It’s) kind of like the quarterbacks,” Kiffin said. “You know, you have to prepare for a different quarterback or for a different play-caller. You got a game film of that. I’m not sure whatever transpired after Texas, but we’re going to have our hands full no matter what.”
Alabama and Ole Miss are set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on the SEC Network.
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