by: Grant Grubbs 5 hours ago grant_grubbs_
Ole Miss has named Pete Golding its next head coach, per On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low. Golding has been Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator since 2023 under Lane Kiffin .
Kiffin is leaving Ole Miss to become LSU ‘s head coach. The Rebels reportedly held a team meeting at 1 p.m. CT today and multiple players emerged from the meeting supporting Golding.
Earlier on Sunday, On3’s Chris Low reported that Ole Miss won’t allow Kiffin to coach the Rebels in the CFP. He further reported that Golding would serve as the team’s head coach with Kiffin gone. Now, Golding will not only be Ole Miss’ interim leader but official HC.
Before Golding joined Ole Miss in 2023, he served as Alabama ‘s defensive coordinator from 2018-22 under Nick Saban . Under Golding’s leadership, Ole Miss’ defense is only allowing 333.1 yards offense per game this season, ranking 33rd in the country.
On Saturday, Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl to finish the regular season 11-1 for the first time in school history. Kiffin reportedly “demanded” to coach Ole Miss in the CFP and threatened to “poach” players and staff from the team if he wasn’t allowed.
Nonetheless, Ole Miss’ administration stood their ground and Golding will lead the Rebels in the postseason. Per Chris Low, Kiffin is following through on his threat. He’s reportedly told his offensive staff if they don’t join him on the plane to Baton Rouge today, they won’t have a spot waiting for them in the future.
Per Pete Nakos, two planes are scheduled to arrive in Tupelo, Mississippi, this afternoon to bring Kiffin’s family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The planes have since been rerouted to Oxford, Mississippi.