The pressure on Pete Golding couldn’t be higher. He isn’t just taking over for Lane Kiffin; he is leading Ole Miss into its most significant matchup in six decades. With the spotlight firmly on Oxford, the new head coach faced immediate questions about how he plans to run the team during this transition. His answer suggests he plans to stick with what got him here.
How Will Pete Golding Handle Dual Responsibilities?
When Kiffin left for Baton Rouge, the focus shifted to who would fill the void. Golding stepped up from defensive coordinator to head coach, a move that typically signals a changing of the guard on the defensive side of the ball. Most defensive-minded head coaches hire someone new to call plays, allowing them to manage the entire game.
Golding isn’t taking that route. While offensive head coaches often continue to call plays, it is rarer for defensive coaches to do the same. Yet, Golding made his intentions clear when asked about staffing changes with the team.
“I’m the defensive coordinator.”
-Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding when asked who’ll be the DC
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 11, 2025
Why keep the headset? His unit has performed well, ranking 34th in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, which tracks efficiency and game control. Golding clearly believes his best contribution during this postseason run remains on the defensive side. Meanwhile, he is handing the offense over to Charlie Weis Jr., Kiffin’s former coordinator, who is staying on to assist during this critical stretch.
The decision to stay involved in the defense makes sense given the opponent. Tulane brings a run-heavy attack that requires discipline to stop. Looking further ahead, a potential rematch with Georgia, which holds a first-round bye, would demand perfection.
Golding also has to balance roster management with game prep. With the transfer portal window opening, he is keeping his eyes on the current locker room rather than just future priorities.
“I am player heavy.”
-Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding if he’ll be “portal heavy”
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 11, 2025
The skepticism about Ole Miss’s defense stems from its trip to Athens earlier this season. Georgia poured on 40 points in the final 45 minutes to edge the Rebels 45-43. Back then, critics argued the defense relied too heavily on the offense scoring points and only made stops when necessary.
Since that shootout in Georgia, the numbers look much better. Mississippi allowed just 83 total points over its final five games. However, the competition wasn’t exactly elite. Aside from a game against No. 13 Oklahoma, the Rebels padded their stats against an FCS program and teams with losing records.
By retaining the coordinator title now, Golding is betting on himself to handle the multitasking. He cannot overlook the Green Wave, but there is an interesting subplot on the other sideline. Tulane coach Jon Sumrall is expected to head to Gainesville to coach the Florida Gators after the season. This game gives Golding an early look at a coach he will face annually in the SEC, making this a preview of battles to come.
