Under Kiffin, Ole Miss had achieved a record of 11 wins, setting the stage for a memorable season for the program. However, the sudden coaching change has drawn attention to the current climate in college football, characterized by issues such as nil money, transfer portal activity, and coaching mobility.
As the sixth-seeded Rebels prepared for their Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal against tenth-seeded Miami, Golding addressed the challenges facing the team. Despite being frequently asked about the circumstances surrounding Kiffin’s exit, he expressed that every season carries its own set of chaos and that the timing of Kiffin’s departure was, in a sense, fortuitous for the players.
During a press conference shared with Mario Cristobal, head coach of Miami, Golding downplayed the narrative surrounding the Rebels’ postseason challenges. He emphasized the collective effort of his team and the importance of preparation and resilience. He noted that the focus should remain on the players’ performance rather than any individual figure.
“I think you want to build a program to where it’s heading in the right direction and one person, one player or anything like that’s not going to derail that,” Golding stated.
He further elaborated on the significance of team dynamics, indicating that reliance on a single individual could point to shortcomings in the overall program structure.
Golding, who had held the role of defensive coordinator prior to his promotion, pointed out that the current environment within the team remained structured and focused. He noted that the team had already established expectations and a solid culture prior to the coaching change.
In his role, Golding has had to navigate the shifts in his coaching staff, as several assistants followed Kiffin to his new position at LSU. He remarked on his previous experiences at lower levels of college football, emphasizing the resourcefulness required to build a successful program with limited staff.
“We got six coaches in Division II,” Golding noted, reflecting on the differences in staffing and resources compared to his current situation at Ole Miss.
As the Rebels gear up for their upcoming game against Miami, Golding confirmed that two of the four assistant coaches who previously worked under Kiffin would not join the team for this matchup. Joe Cox, the tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator, and George McDonald, the wide receivers coach, are set to take on roles with Kiffin at LSU. However, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and running backs coach Kevin Smith will remain with Ole Miss.
Golding acknowledged the professional commitments of Cox and McDonald, stating that there has been ongoing communication regarding their transitions to LSU. He recognized the need for them to focus on their responsibilities in building a new team.
In light of these developments, Golding asserted that the team remains well-equipped in terms of coaching and player talent, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
In summary, Pete Golding’s promotion to head coach at Ole Miss comes during a pivotal time for the program, with the team preparing to compete in the College Football Playoff despite recent upheavals. The Rebels will look to maintain their momentum in their upcoming game against Miami while adapting to the changes within their coaching staff.
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