The stakes are clear for Lane Kiffin at LSU: It’s championship or bust. But he’s enjoying his first offseason in Baton Rouge for now.
Indeed, Kiffin isn’t just representing Louisiana State in Baton Rouge. He’s representing Louisiana, as evidenced by him receiving the key to the city of New Orleans after serving as the co-grand marshal for the Krewe of Endymion Parade, part of Mardi Gras.
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Kiffin was at the parade wearing an LSU Odell Beckham III jersey, a backwards hat, and beads. And while he seemed to be enjoying himself, the message being conveyed to him was clear: The fun will last if he’s successful. If he isn’t, he isn’t going to appearing on floats any time soon.
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Indeed, councilman Matt Willard explicitly said the expectation for Kiffin is to bring a championship to Baton Rouge.
As controversial as Kiffin’s arrival to LSU was, he’s clearly being embraced, at least officially. Endymion is the largest of the Mardi Gras parades, and Kiffin was joined by Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy.
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In a speech to the crowd, Kiffin said he’d never been to Mardi Gras and ended with the traditional “Geaux Tigers.”
The float he stoof upon was as extra as one might expect: A giant tiger commemorating the LSU mascot.
Kiffin was also awarded a key to the city of Boca Raton during his time at FAU.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LSU coach Lane Kiffin gets key to New Orleans as expectations build
