Sydney Thomas Reveals SEC Coach Who Slid Into Her DMs

Los Angeles, California — Sydney Thomas, a once-unknown University of Alabama student, has confirmed that Lane Kiffin, head coach of Ole Miss, slid into her DMs with a “Roll Tide” message following her rise to fame as a ring girl during the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight in November 2024.

In an episode of Netflix’s reality show, Inside: USA, Thomas was asked about the craziest celebrity to contact her. She stated, “I’d say Lane Kiffin… Another SEC football coach slid in with ‘Roll Tide’ and he’s the coach of Ole Miss.” This revelation added clarity to a topic that had generated considerable speculation, including rumors that an Ole Miss coach had been flirting with her via social media.

Thomas gained widespread attention after her viral appearance, leading to hundreds of thousands of new Instagram followers. “I woke up to an overwhelming amount of love and support from all of you,” Thomas expressed on social media after the event, thanking her fans for their support. Just months earlier, she was a typical college student balancing her studies and other jobs.

Kiffin’s reaction to the revelation was classic for him. He jokingly claimed he knew nothing about the messages, humorously deflecting the attention by saying it was possibly orchestrated by Nick Saban, the former Alabama coach. This non-response only added more fuel to the fire of speculation by fans and media alike.

While some criticized Thomas for sharing the information, others appreciated her for bringing attention to the behavior of those in power. Thomas framed her decision to disclose Kiffin’s message as a way to take control of her own narrative. Despite the controversy, her main focus remains on her ambitions within modeling and her education.

“I still want to pursue ring girl assignments while finishing my degree, even if it means balancing online courses with travel,” Thomas said, underscoring her determination to succeed in both her personal and professional life.

The intersection of celebrity status, college athletics, and viral fame will likely continue to follow Thomas, but her ability to manage the attention will define her role in this public moment, showcasing her growing influence.