Who is the new Ole Miss head coach?

Pete Golding, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been named the permanent head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels.

What was Pete Golding's role at Alabama?

Pete Golding served as the defensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide under Nick Saban from 2018 to 2022.

What is Ole Miss's current ranking?

As of the latest College Football Playoff rankings, the Ole Miss Rebels are ranked No. 7.

Home / Sports / Saban's Protégé Takes SEC Helm at Ole Miss

Saban's Protégé Takes SEC Helm at Ole Miss

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Pete Golding named permanent head coach of Ole Miss Rebels.
Golding previously served as Alabama's defensive coordinator.
Ole Miss is ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Saban's Protégé Takes SEC Helm at Ole Miss

Pete Golding, a prominent former assistant to Nick Saban at Alabama, has been named the permanent head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels. This transition follows Lane Kiffin's recent departure from Oxford to take the helm at LSU. Golding's tenure as defensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide included a national championship in 2020.

The Rebels are entering a strong period under Golding's leadership, holding the No. 7 spot in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Their impressive 11-1 season, capped by a decisive Egg Bowl victory, sets a high expectation for the upcoming season. This marks Golding's first opportunity to lead a college football program as head coach.

Golding joins a growing fraternity of former Saban assistants now coaching in the SEC, including Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Kirby Smart of Georgia. The team is preparing to compete in the College Football Playoff, highlighting the program's current success and future potential.