The LSU head football coach was spotted in the crowd at the Smoothie King Center, taking in a matchup between the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Lane Kiffin, who officially made the leap from the Magnolia State to Baton Rouge on Dec. 1, attended the Wednesday night contest alongside his reconciled wife, Layla Kiffin. From his courtside seat, documented by NBA social media as part of their “celebrities in the building” highlights, the 50-year-old offensive mastermind watched the action unfold in an olive jacket and white t-shirt.
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
While the Pelicans eventually fell to the Heat 123-111, trailing behind a 27-point performance by Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Kiffin’s presence was not without the usual buzz.
As footage of the couple circulated, fans took to social media to dissect the moment, with some noting his focused demeanor and others questioning his signature “miserable” game-face.
“Is he drunk?,” one wrote.
Is he drunk?
— Micah Pearson (@micahpe1) February 12, 2026
“He always looks so miserable,” one wrote.
He always looks so miserable
— jarod briggs (@Jarodbreezy) February 12, 2026
One fan even mused that Kiffin looked like he was “scouting recruits” from the baseline.
“Lane Kiffin courtside like he scouting recruits,” one wrote.
lane kiffin courtside like he scouting recruits 😭😭
— Sofia Blake (@SofiaBlake_x) February 12, 2026
“Who is the baddie next to him?!,” a fan wrote.
“Who’s that grandma sitting next to him?” another wrote.
“He looks like he’s having so much fun,” one wrote.
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A New Chapter for Lane Kiffin
For Kiffin, the move to LSU represents a new chapter after a career that included a stint as the youngest head coach in Raiders history. Now leading the Tigers in this 2026 timeline, he remains a figure of intense interest for both professional scouts and the local community.
“This place is built for championships with championship expectations… that ’s exactly what you want, and that ’s why we ’re here,” Kiffin said regarding his transition to LSU.
However, Kiffin and his staff are focused on the work required to keep the program at the highest level. His attendance at the Smoothie King Center highlights a growing trend of elite SEC coaches utilizing New Orleans’ professional stage to bolster their brand and recruiting visibility.
As he looked out at the court during the second half, it was clear that Kiffin was simply living in the moment of his new South Louisiana reality.
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Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!
Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!