In a significant reshuffling of its football program, Ole Miss has officially named Pete Golding as the new head coach. This announcement comes on the heels of Lane Kiffin’s departure to lead LSU, creating waves in the college football landscape. With Kiffin’s exit, the program is also facing the transition of its offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr., who will be moving to LSU but is expected to remain with Ole Miss during its postseason run.
Golding steps into a crucial role during a pivotal moment for the team, particularly as the transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026, for a 15-day period. The upcoming transfer portal presents an opportunity for Golding and the new coaching staff to scout and recruit players who could bolster the team’s competitive edge. Meanwhile, they are also looking to maintain the program’s current momentum as it prepares for postseason play.
While much of the coaching staff has been retained, the need for a new offensive coordinator is pressing. In light of this, The Rebel Walk has curated a list of potential candidates to fill the crucial role. Each candidate has varying degrees of connection to the school, its staff, or the program’s philosophy.
One compelling option is Joe Judge, a current assistant coach at Ole Miss who has impressed with his work in developing quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Under Judge’s guidance, the Rebels currently rank third in the nation in passing yards, showcasing an effective and dynamic aerial attack. Judge’s coaching background includes significant NFL experience, particularly with the New England Patriots, where he was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Another strong candidate is John David Baker, who previously served as an assistant at Ole Miss before becoming the offensive coordinator at East Carolina. Baker was instrumental in implementing a high-tempo offense that returned Ole Miss to its once explosive form. During his tenure at East Carolina, Baker’s offense averaged significantly more points per game compared to previous seasons, highlighting his effectiveness as a playcaller.
Brian Daboll, who was most recently the head coach of the New York Giants, also appears to be in the mix. His successful history with quarterback development, including his time coaching Jaxson Dart at the Giants, positions him as a strong contender to revitalize the Ole Miss offense. Daboll’s NFL experience is complemented by a brief period as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, where he played a role in a national championship-winning season.
Other noteworthy candidates include Jake Peetz, currently the pass game coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, who has a diverse coaching background in both the NFL and college that allows for innovative offensive strategies. Derrick Nix, who spent years at Ole Miss prior to his current role at Auburn, brings a familiarity with the program that could ease any potential transition.
Kade Bell, the offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, and Garrett Riley, a recent standout at Clemson now seeking new opportunities after a notable tenure, round out the list of potential candidates. Bell’s aggressive playcalling has garnered attention in the college landscape, while Riley is recognized for transforming offenses into top-scoring units.
As Ole Miss gears up for the College Football Playoffs, where they await their ranking in the top 25 to be announced on Selection Sunday, the selection of a new offensive coordinator remains a crucial focus. The next few weeks will not only shape the future of Ole Miss football but also have lasting implications on the program’s strategy moving forward. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the coaching search unfolds and how it will impact the team’s pursuit of postseason success.
