Pete Golding to head football coach, effective immediately. The announcement, made on November 30, 2025, comes just days after Lane Kiffin’s shocking departure to LSU, ensuring stability as the No. 5-seeded Rebels (11-1) prepare for their historic first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Golding, 41, steps into the role as the Rebels’ 40th head coach, replacing Kiffin who led Ole Miss to a program-record 11 wins and an SEC Championship berth over six seasons. Kiffin’s exit was abrupt, confirmed via a social media statement where he expressed regret over not coaching the playoff run but accepted the Tigers’ offer to succeed Brian Kelly. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter wasted no time in elevating Golding, bypassing an external search amid the upcoming NCAA Early Signing Period (December 3-5) and the playoff’s high stakes.
“This is an incredible honor to lead one of the nation’s premier programs,” Golding said in a statement released by the athletics department. “Oxford is home, and I can’t wait to get to work immediately and prepare this team to win a national championship. To the Ole Miss family, thank you for your support and belief. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to attack this challenge together.”
A Proven Defensive Mind from the Saban Tree
Golding’s rapid ascent is no surprise to those familiar with his track record. A Louisiana native born on February 8, 1984, Golding began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Delta State in 2006. He climbed the ranks through stints at Tusculum College, South Alabama, and UTSA, where his 2017 defense ranked seventh nationally in yards allowed per game (287.8).
His big break came in 2018 when Alabama legend Nick Saban hired him as a defensive assistant. Golding contributed to the Crimson Tide’s 2020 national championship and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2019, overseeing a unit that terrorized offenses across the SEC. Despite a 2022 DUI arrest in Alabama that drew scrutiny, Golding rebounded, joining Ole Miss as defensive coordinator in January 2023 under Kiffin.
In Oxford, Golding transformed the Rebels’ defense into an SEC powerhouse. His 2025 unit ranked in the FBS top 25 for fourth-down defense (ninth, .360 success rate) and scoring defense (25th, 20.1 points per game). He mentored a trio of first-round NFL Draft picks—DT Walter Nolen (No. 1 overall to Arizona Cardinals), LB Chris Paul Jr. (No. 5 to Los Angeles Rams), and DT JJ Pegues (No. 6 to Las Vegas Raiders)—while leveraging the transfer portal and high school recruiting to build depth. Golding’s 2025 salary as DC was a league-high $2.55 million, reflecting his value; terms of his new head coaching contract have not been disclosed but are expected to include a significant raise.
“Pete is a dynamic leader, an elite defensive mind, and a celebrated recruiter,” Carter said. “His tenure will begin immediately as he leads our program in the pursuit of a national title. Today’s team meeting was a clear indicator of his ability to galvanize our squad. We could not be more excited.”
Navigating Kiffin’s Shadow and Playoff Pressure
Kiffin’s departure—triggered by LSU’s pursuit and finalized after Ole Miss’s Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State—left the program in flux. The coach, who compiled a 55-19 record at Ole Miss, cited a desire to finish the season but was denied by administration. His move incurs a $4 million buyout, payable before December 31.
Golding inherits a roster brimming with talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart and a playoff matchup potentially at home in Oxford on December 19 or 20. Early reactions from players have been overwhelmingly positive, with Golding’s fiery, no-nonsense style—honed under Saban—earning quick buy-in. Social media buzz highlights his role in the Rebels’ turnaround: Pre-Golding, Kiffin was 23-13; post-Golding, 32-6.
Recruiting momentum is already building. On December 5, four-star wide receiver Jase Mathews flipped his commitment from Auburn to Ole Miss, citing Golding’s vision. While LSU (under Kiffin) snagged top prospects like five-star DT Lamar Brown and EDGE Trenton Henderson, Golding’s staff is holding firm on key targets ahead of the playoff spotlight.
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