afaik, Mike Garrett hired Kiffin before bailing and having sanctions handed down. It was something of a coup at the time because everyone loved Kiffin being able to hold the recruiting class together. I don't follow the politics all that closely but I've not read anything that Haden feels like Kiffin is his hire (I can't find anything on some committee). It's all seemingly moot because Haden just confirmed Kiffin is coming back. Bah.