When No. 6 Ole Miss takes the field against No. 11 Tulane in a College Football Playoff first-round game, the Rebels will be led by first-time head coach Pete Golding. This transition follows former head coach Lane Kiffin’s abrupt departure to SEC rival LSU.
Golding’s arrival marks a new chapter for Ole Miss. He steps into the spotlight with a determined focus on the team’s mission, not chasing personal glory.
The upcoming game isn’t just about skill. It’s a real test of the Rebels’ resilience and adaptability after some pretty major coaching shake-ups.
Golding’s Unwavering Commitment
Pete Golding, who was defensive coordinator at UTSA and Alabama, has been steady since taking over the Rebels. Even with a fresh haircut and a bit more polish at pressers, he’s still the same guy—often spotted with a beard, a visor, and sometimes a little tobacco tucked in his lip.
His competitive streak shows whether he’s coaching football or playing tennis with his wife. Golding keeps it simple: postseason is about the team, not the individual.
A Focused Team Amidst Transition
Golding’s been working overtime to keep the players locked in on their mission. That’s been especially crucial after Kiffin left, a move that came after weeks of rumors and interest from programs like Florida and LSU.
Kiffin’s wild playcalling and social media antics are a far cry from Golding’s more direct style. Still, the team is sticking with Kiffin’s high-powered offense, which led the SEC in yards per game and ranked third in points per game.
Coaching Staff Dynamics
The coaching staff situation is, honestly, one of the more curious parts of this transition. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach Joe Cox, and receivers coach George McDonald all initially left with Kiffin for LSU, only to return to Ole Miss to coach in the CFP.
Golding joked it’s a bit like getting back together with an ex-girlfriend. Most of the Rebels’ defensive staff stayed put, planning to stick with Golding into 2026.
Staff Changes and Additions
The coaching carousel just keeps spinning. Kiffin took general manager Billy Glasscock to LSU, so Golding hired Austin Thomas, who was Brian Kelly’s GM at LSU.
Golding’s also expected to bring on LSU interim coach Frank Wilson as his running backs coach. Wilson, who’s known for recruiting in Louisiana, will coach LSU in the Texas Bowl before making the move. The school also announced the hiring of former East Carolina offensive coordinator John David Baker and ex-Kentucky receivers coach L’Damian Washington.
Player Movements and Commitments
Player movement has been a big storyline, too. On national signing day, LSU flipped three high school prospects who’d been committed to Ole Miss.
Still, Ole Miss landed commitments from key players for 2026: linebacker Suntarine Perkins, defensive tackle Will Echoles, center Brycen Sanders, and defensive back Antonio Kite. There’s always a chance more players could transfer, but the team’s core looks pretty solid for now.
Quarterback Controversy
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been the talk of the town. He broke out against Tulane earlier this season, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for another 112 yards.
But he’s still waiting on the NCAA to decide if he’ll get another year of eligibility, since he only played two games at Division II Ferris State in 2022. That uncertainty is hanging over everything.
The Stakes of the Game
As Ole Miss gets ready to host what everyone’s calling the biggest sporting event in Mississippi history, the stakes are sky-high. The winner moves on to face No. 3 Georgia in the CFP Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
This isn’t just another game—it’s a historic moment for Ole Miss, their first-ever hosted CFP game. The energy around campus is something else.
Tulane’s Challenge
Tulane stands in the way, and they’re not a team to overlook. The Green Wave took down ACC champ Duke and have won eight of their last nine games.
This will be coach Jon Sumrall’s last game before he heads to Florida. Tulane’s tough, well-coached, and their defense could give Ole Miss all they can handle.
Looking Ahead
For Pete Golding, this game isn’t just a debut. It’s a moment that could define him.
The pressure of leading the Rebels in their first CFP appearance is real. Golding’s leaned on his staff’s experience and the grit of his players all season.
As the Rebels take the field, they’re carrying more than just a playbook. There’s the weight of a historic season and a real shot to make their mark in college football.
For more detailed insights, visit the original article on ESPN.
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