Lane Kiffin will be a name thrown around quite a bit in the days leading up to the announcement of the next Alabama coach.

On Wednesday, however, the Ole Miss coach – and former Alabama offensive coordinator – paid homage to two men he referred to as GOATS.

Alabama coach Nick Saban announced his plans to retire, ending a career that earned him seven national championships – six at Alabama. He also tipped the cap the long-time Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who he worked under at USC, but was dismissed on Wednesday.

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“The two GOATS,” he posted on “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “So honored and blessed to have learned from them and won national championships with both. Thanks for taking a chance on me and being amazing mentors to me. Appreciate you both more than you will ever know.

“Greatness we may never see again. Appreciate it fans.”

There will be plenty of speculation about Alabama’s interest in Kiffin and vice versa.

Kiffin has a 95-49 record in 12 seasons at Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss, which is enjoying their best sustained run of success since the 1960s.

Kiffin spent most of Wednesday posting on social media about Saban.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.