Ole Miss Head Coach Juggles Defensive Play-Calling and Head Duties

Golding believes he has the right team to handle his dual responsibilities.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract college football game, with sharp planes of navy blue and red intersecting to create a fragmented, multi-perspective view of the action on the field.Golding's juggling act as both head coach and defensive coordinator will be a key factor in Ole Miss' upcoming season.Oxford Today

Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding firmly believes he has the right people around him to handle all aspects of the program, allowing him to continue calling defensive plays on Saturdays while also overseeing head coaching duties. Golding was previously the Rebels' defensive coordinator before being elevated to head coach.

Why it matters

Balancing the responsibilities of head coach and defensive coordinator is a challenge many college football programs face. Golding's ability to manage both roles could be a key factor in Ole Miss' success this season.

The details

Golding was the Rebels' defensive coordinator during the 2025 regular season before being promoted to head coach. He believes having the right assistants in place allows him to continue calling defensive plays on game days while also overseeing the entire program.

  • Golding was the Rebels' defensive coordinator during the 2025 regular season.
  • Golding was elevated to head coach prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Pete Golding

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

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What they’re saying

“It's really big when you hire people that are really good at a job, make sure they're doing that job.”

— Pete Golding, Head Coach

What’s next

Golding and the Rebels will look to build on their success from last season as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

The takeaway

Golding's ability to effectively manage his dual responsibilities as both head coach and defensive play-caller will be crucial to Ole Miss' performance this season and could serve as a model for other college football programs facing similar challenges.