Lane Kiffin Receives Key to New Orleans After Mardi Gras Parade

The new LSU football coach was honored as co-grand marshal of the Krewe of Endymion Parade.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Lane Kiffin, the new head football coach at Louisiana State University, was awarded the key to the city of New Orleans after serving as the co-grand marshal of the Krewe of Endymion Parade during Mardi Gras. Kiffin was seen wearing an LSU jersey, a backwards hat, and beads as he rode on a float commemorating the school's tiger mascot.

Why it matters

Kiffin's appearance at the high-profile Mardi Gras event signals that he is being embraced by the Louisiana community, despite some initial controversy surrounding his hiring at LSU. The key to the city honor underscores the high expectations placed on Kiffin to deliver a championship for the Tigers.

The details

Kiffin was joined by Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy as he rode on the Endymion parade float. In a speech to the crowd, Kiffin said he had never been to Mardi Gras before and ended his remarks with the traditional "Geaux Tigers" chant. Councilman Matt Willard explicitly stated that the expectation for Kiffin is to bring a championship to Baton Rouge.

  • Kiffin served as the co-grand marshal of the Krewe of Endymion Parade on February 15, 2026.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The new head football coach at Louisiana State University.

Matt Willard

A New Orleans city councilman.

Arthur Hardy

A Mardi Gras historian who joined Kiffin on the parade float.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.