Golding Lands Toney for Ole Miss Defense

Ole Miss football is bolstering its coaching staff for 2026 with the hiring of Patrick Toney as defensive coordinator, announced on January 7, 2026. Toney transitions to the Rebels after serving as the safeties coach for the Arizona Cardinals since 2023. This appointment follows Pete Golding's promotion to head coach on November 30, 2025, after the departure of Lane Kiffin. Toney's prior experience includes a stint as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach with the Florida Gators in 2022.

The Rebels, currently in their first College Football Playoff appearance as the No. 6 seed, are preparing to face No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. If victorious, they will advance to play either Indiana or Oregon for the national championship on January 19, 2026. The team has also recently secured John David Baker as offensive coordinator, hired on December 9, 2025.

This strategic move by Coach Golding reunites him with Toney, with whom he previously worked at Southeastern Louisiana from 2012-2013 when Toney served as a defensive assistant. The addition of Toney is expected to solidify the defensive strategy as Ole Miss aims for continued success in national competitions.