“Say hi to Pops. I’m glad your broken heart can now be healed with him again.” That’s how Lane Kiffin bid farewell to his mother, Robin Kiffin, when she passed away on June 17 at the age of 81. It was a touching tribute, simple and gut-wrenching, especially because it came less than a year after he lost his father, the legendary Monte Kiffin. In just 11 months, Lane went from having both parents to having neither.

For any son, that kind of double loss is unthinkable. But Lane has had to wear it all while being the face of a major college football program, leading the Ole Miss Rebels through high-pressure seasons and high-stakes games. In 2024, he pushed through grief to guide the Rebels to a solid campaign. Now, with the 2025 season right around the corner, he finds himself back in the spotlight, this time with an even heavier heart. But amidst the sadness, the Kiffin family just made a heartwarming move that’s helping them hold onto a piece of ‘Mimi,’ as Robin was lovingly known.

In the middle of all the heartbreak, the Kiffins found a way to bring a little joy back into the house. The family recently welcomed a new member, Lucky, Robin Kiffin’s beloved dog. “Yesterday was a big day! We inherited Mimi’s dog, Lucky,” read a sweet update from Lane’s sister-in-law, Angela Timmons Kiffin, shared alongside photos of Lucky cuddling with the kids and settling in like he’s always belonged. The post was full of warmth, with a message, “We’re all excited to have him. I know Mimi is smiling down,” watching her furry companion find comfort in new arms.

Angela posted another picture on her story featuring the dog and the puppy, with a message that says, “Thank you, Mimi, for blessing us with your precious fur baby… We will think of you often.” It’s enough to tell how close Robin was to her family. After all, it was their mother, and there’s nothing stronger than the bond between a mom and her kids. It’s rare to see such a personal moment shared so openly, especially for Lane’s fans.

But this? This was pure. This was family. And maybe this is exactly the kind of healing Lane needed before stepping into the grind of another high-stakes season. However, he’s still carrying the weight of this personal loss.

Lane Kiffin turns emotional at SEC Media Days

When Lane took the podium at this year’s Media Days, the tone was different. There was real weight in his voice. “Losing both parents in the last year has been very challenging,” he admitted. “Thinking on the way over here about my mother and how grateful I am to her. Coaches’ wives are the glue that holds everything together. Really grateful to my parents,” he added. And for the first time, it wasn’t about game prep or quarterbacks. It was about life, loss, and how the people around him have helped hold him together.

And through it all, he’s still coaching like a man on a mission. Kiffin has now posted a 44-18 record at Ole Miss, turning the Rebels into a consistent program in the national conversation. The 2024 season saw them win 10 games, beating Duke in the Gator Bowl game (52-20). Now, heading into 2025, Lane knows his team is loaded with talent like Austin Simmons, their star QB, LB Suntarine Perkins, and more. But his heart is carrying fresh wounds.

However, he also knows that he has to stay confident because his team feeds off his energy. Just like he gathered himself last season and the team performed really well, he’ll need to do it again this year. He’s been in the scene for a long time now and knows how to manage emotions and keep the focus where it needs to be.