In a twist that could only happen in the high-stakes world of college football, Lane Kiffin is set to pocket a cool $500,000 bonus—all while no longer coaching the team that earned it.

The Ole Miss Rebels' thrilling 39-34 victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal has triggered a unique financial windfall for Kiffin, who departed Oxford for LSU just weeks before the crucial game.

As part of his transition agreement with LSU, Kiffin will receive the exact same performance bonuses he would have earned had he remained the Rebels' head coach. This includes a $250,000 bonus already received for defeating Tulane in the first round, with potential for an additional $750,000 if Ole Miss defeats Miami in the next matchup.

The situation creates a surreal narrative: Kiffin is being financially rewarded by his former team while now leading a rival SEC program. His decision to ensure he could complete the playoff run with Ole Miss, despite already accepting the LSU position, added an extra layer of complexity to an already dramatic coaching transition.

Ole Miss fans made their mixed feelings clear, greeting Kiffin's financial gain with a pointed chant that made their emotions unmistakable during the Sugar Bowl. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who will take over as head coach, will receive identical bonuses under the same arrangement.

Kiffin chose to support his new school during the game, making an appearance at an LSU women's basketball game and embracing head coach Kim Mulkey. The potential for Ole Miss to capture its first championship in decades adds another compelling subplot to this already remarkable story.

With one more victory, Kiffin could see a total playoff bonus approaching $1 million—a testament to the complex and lucrative world of college football coaching, where loyalty and opportunity often dance a delicate line.