Baker thrilled to be back at Ole Miss after crazy transition period

John David Baker's move from East Carolina to Ole Miss was the "craziest time of my career," but months later, he's excited to be reunited with Pete Golding and the Rebels.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a college football game, rendered in a cubist style using bold maroon, navy, and white shapes and planes.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of college football, as John David Baker returns to lead Ole Miss' offense.Oxford Today

John David Baker, the new offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, had a chaotic transition period before joining the Rebels. After a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at East Carolina, Baker was courted by Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding, who was trying to fill the OC position while also dealing with the departure of former OC Charlie Weis Jr. to LSU. Despite the uncertainty, Baker is thrilled to be back in Oxford and working with Golding again.

Why it matters

Baker's return to Ole Miss is significant as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success as an offensive coordinator. His familiarity with Golding and the Rebels' offensive system should help provide stability and continuity as the team prepares for the upcoming season, which includes tough matchups against SEC rivals LSU and Mississippi State.

The details

Baker arrived in Oxford in December, just in time to help the Rebels prepare for their College Football Playoff appearance. He worked alongside Weis, who had promised to stay and coordinate the offense through the playoffs before departing for LSU. Baker focused on building relationships with players and retention during the transition. He brings an up-tempo, run-first approach to the Ole Miss offense, which he developed working with coaches like Seth Littrell, Graham Harrell, and Lane Kiffin.

  • Baker arrived in Oxford in December 2025 to help the Rebels prepare for the College Football Playoff.
  • Baker spent the 2024 season as the offensive coordinator at East Carolina.

The players

John David Baker

The new offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at East Carolina.

Pete Golding

The head coach at Ole Miss, who hired Baker as the Rebels' new offensive coordinator.

Charlie Weis Jr.

The former offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, who departed for LSU after the 2025 season.

Lane Kiffin

The former head coach at Ole Miss, who left for the LSU job after the 2022 season.

Blake Harrell

The head coach at East Carolina, where Baker served as the offensive coordinator in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“There were so many moving parts here that you just didn't know. It was kind of a weird time of limbo and obviously, I had some other opportunities going on at the time, but this was the one I wanted.”

— John David Baker, Offensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

“Once he said, 'Let's go,' I was fired up. I couldn't get back here fast enough.”

— John David Baker, Offensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

“It's the craziest time of my career, definitely. I've jokingly told people, but it's the truth, this is probably the only building in the country that could've handled a situation like that.”

— John David Baker, Offensive Coordinator, Ole Miss

What’s next

Baker and the Ole Miss offense will look to build on their success from the 2025 College Football Playoff run as they prepare for the 2026 season, which includes key SEC matchups against LSU and Mississippi State.

The takeaway

John David Baker's return to Ole Miss after a successful stint at East Carolina provides stability and continuity for the Rebels' offense, which will be crucial as they navigate a challenging 2026 schedule and aim to build on their recent playoff appearance.