Former Ole Miss Coach David Cutcliffe Retires

Legendary college football coach steps away after 121 wins over 30-year career.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:57am

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David Cutcliffe, the former head football coach at the University of Mississippi, has announced his retirement from college coaching. Cutcliffe, who won 121 games over his 30-year career, has served as the SEC's Special Assistant to the Commissioner in recent years.

Why it matters

Cutcliffe is considered one of the most successful and respected college football coaches of his generation, leading Ole Miss to multiple bowl game appearances and helping develop numerous NFL players. His retirement marks the end of an era and will leave a significant void in the SEC coaching ranks.

The details

Cutcliffe spent 10 seasons as the head coach at Ole Miss from 1998 to 2007, compiling a 44-29 record and leading the Rebels to four bowl game appearances. He then served as the head coach at Duke University from 2008 to 2021, winning 77 games and taking the Blue Devils to six bowl games. Cutcliffe has been working in the SEC office as a special assistant to the commissioner since 2022.

  • Cutcliffe announced his retirement on March 18, 2026.
  • He spent 10 seasons as the head coach at Ole Miss from 1998 to 2007.
  • Cutcliffe was the head coach at Duke University from 2008 to 2021.

The players

David Cutcliffe

The former head football coach at the University of Mississippi who won 121 games over his 30-year college coaching career.

University of Mississippi

The college where Cutcliffe served as head football coach from 1998 to 2007, leading the Rebels to four bowl game appearances.

Duke University

The college where Cutcliffe was the head football coach from 2008 to 2021, winning 77 games and taking the Blue Devils to six bowl games.

Southeastern Conference (SEC)

The collegiate athletic conference that Cutcliffe has served as a special assistant to the commissioner in since 2022.

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What they’re saying

“This game comes with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude, especially for the young men I've had the privilege to coach.”

— David Cutcliffe, Retiring Head Football Coach (wn.com)

What’s next

Cutcliffe's retirement will leave an open head coaching position at the University of Mississippi that the school will need to fill in the coming months.

The takeaway

Cutcliffe's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most respected and successful college football coaches of his generation. His impact on the sport, particularly in the SEC, will be felt for years to come as programs work to fill the void left by his departure.