The University of Mississippi has made a notable addition to its football coaching staff, as new head coach Pete Golding has secured the services of John David Baker to serve as the offensive coordinator. Baker, who previously held a similar position at East Carolina University, is expected to bring his expertise and innovative approach to the Rebels’ program.
Baker, 35, initially joined Ole Miss in 2021 as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach under former head coach Lane Kiffin. His tenure with the program saw a rapid ascent; by 2022, he earned a promotion to co-offensive coordinator, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive strategies. After the 2023 season, Baker transitioned to East Carolina where he took on the role of sole offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, showcasing his skills in play-calling and strategic planning.
During his time at ECU, Baker’s offense flourished. The 2025 season saw the Pirates excel within the highly competitive American Athletic Conference, ranking third in total offense with an impressive average of 465.7 yards per game. Additionally, the team ranked third in passing offense with 280.7 yards per game and secured a fifth-place position in scoring offense, averaging 33.5 points per game. These achievements underline his capability to develop potent offensive schemes and year-round athlete progression.
With Baker’s return to Oxford, he faces the critical task of replacing the previous offensive dynamics established under Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. Following Ole Miss’s successful 2025 playoff run, expectations are high for Baker to harness the existing talent and further elevate the team’s competitive stance in the SEC.
The appointment signifies a strategic move for the Rebels as they seek to maintain their offensive prowess and build upon recent successes in collegiate football.
