JaMarcus Russell, former NFL quarterback and LSU alumni, is excited about the recent hiring of Lane Kiffin as the head coach of LSU football. Russell, who was the number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, knows a thing or two about Kiffin and is looking forward to seeing how he will impact his alma mater.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Russell and former LSU teammate Dwayne Bowe expressed their enthusiasm for Kiffin’s hiring. Both Russell and Bowe are eager to see how Kiffin will leave his mark on one of the top college football programs in the country.
Russell, in particular, has a unique perspective on Kiffin, having played under him during his time at LSU. The 50-year-old coach has a reputation for being a polarizing figure, but Russell believes that Kiffin’s experience and coaching style will benefit the LSU football program.
With Kiffin at the helm, Russell and Bowe are confident that LSU will continue to be a powerhouse in college football. They are excited to see how Kiffin’s innovative offensive strategies and leadership will elevate the team to new heights.
Overall, Russell’s endorsement of Kiffin to LSU reflects the sentiment that only the best will do for their school. With Kiffin’s track record of success and Russell’s seal of approval, LSU fans have every reason to be excited for the future of their football program under Kiffin’s guidance. JaMarcus Russell and Dwayne Bowe have come a long way since their time together in Oakland with the Raiders. Lane Kiffin was the head coach during their time with the team, and while it may not have been the most successful period for either player or coach, they both have fond memories of their time together.
“I was learning to be a professional athlete. He was learning to be a professional coach,” JaMarcus Russell reflected on his time with Kiffin. Despite the challenges they faced, Russell believes that given more time, Kiffin could have been successful in the NFL. “I think if he had some time, it would’ve worked. We didn’t have time to go through stages of years together, but I think he’s done well at the collegiate level with every team he’s been on,” Russell said.
Since their time in Oakland, Russell and Kiffin have not been in constant contact, but they have exchanged texts from time to time. There is no bad blood between the two, and Russell still holds respect for Kiffin’s coaching abilities.
Dwayne Bowe, another player who was part of the Raiders during Kiffin’s tenure, also has positive things to say about the coach. Bowe believes that Kiffin’s coaching style and the support he will receive at LSU will lead to immediate success. “They’re bringing you in for right now,” Bowe said. “And I think with his coaching ability and the guys that’s there and the support he have from us, the fans, the energy he gonna receive, and just that grittiness that he’s gonna bring back, I think it’s gonna be right now.”
Both Russell and Bowe are excited about Kiffin’s new role at LSU and expect to see results quickly. As Bowe put it, “We got a lot of dogs over there,” referring to the talent on the LSU roster.
Fans will have to wait nine months until the Tigers kick off the 2026 season under Kiffin’s leadership. In the meantime, Russell and Bowe are keeping busy with coaching themselves, eager to see what the future holds for their former coach and their alma mater.
