Lane Kiffin Heads to LSU, but His Ole Miss Staff Will Coach the Rebels Through the Playoff
In college football, coaching departures are rarely smooth, and Lane Kiffin’s exit from Ole Miss is no exception. After six seasons in Oxford, Kiffin made the high-profile jump to Baton Rouge, taking over as LSU’s new head coach. But the timing of the move-just ahead of Ole Miss’ first-ever College Football Playoff appearance-made things especially complicated.
What followed was a public and, at times, awkward transition. Unlike some coaches who are allowed to stick around for one last ride in the postseason, Kiffin won’t be on the sidelines for the Rebels' playoff run. Ole Miss opted to move forward without him, turning the page toward a new era.
But in a unique twist, several of the assistant coaches Kiffin is bringing with him to LSU are returning to coach Ole Miss through the playoff. It’s an unusual arrangement, but one that reflects a mutual understanding between Kiffin and the Ole Miss administration-one that prioritizes stability for the players in the most important game of the program’s modern history.
The Coaches Making a One-Game Return to Ole Miss
Five members of Kiffin’s new LSU staff are temporarily back in Rebel gear, guiding the team through its College Football Playoff matchup. Here’s a closer look at the group making this postseason pit stop before officially heading to Baton Rouge.
Charlie Weis Jr. - Offensive Coordinator
Weis Jr., a longtime Kiffin collaborator, has been calling plays for the Rebels since 2022.
The two first teamed up at Florida Atlantic in 2018, and after a brief stop at South Florida, Weis Jr. rejoined Kiffin in Oxford. Now, he’s set to become LSU’s offensive coordinator, but not before one final game leading the Ole Miss offense.
Joe Cox - Co-Offensive Coordinator, Tight Ends Coach
A former Georgia quarterback, Cox has built a coaching résumé that spans several programs across the Southeast.
He joined Ole Miss in 2024 and quickly became a key voice in the offensive room. He’ll soon take on a similar role at LSU but will help guide the Rebels’ tight ends through the playoff before making the switch.
George McDonald - Wide Receivers Coach
McDonald brings both college and NFL experience to the table, having coached wideouts in the pros with the Cleveland Browns and at several Power Five programs. After a stint at Illinois, his alma mater, he joined Kiffin’s staff in 2023 and has been instrumental in developing Ole Miss’ passing game.
Nick Savage - Head Strength Coach
Savage has been a steady presence in the strength and conditioning world, with stops at Mississippi State and Ole Miss. His return for the playoff ensures continuity in the team’s physical preparation-a crucial component during the high-stakes postseason grind.
Dane Stevens - Quarterbacks Coach
Stevens has worked closely with the Rebels’ quarterbacks, both in a full-time role and as an analyst.
After a brief stint as offensive coordinator at West Georgia, he came back to Oxford and now prepares to follow Kiffin to LSU. But first, he’ll help lead the Rebels’ QB room through the biggest game of their season.
Why Kiffin Won’t Coach the Playoff
The decision to keep Kiffin off the sideline wasn’t just about optics-it was about priorities. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter reportedly wasn’t comfortable with the idea of Kiffin preparing one team for a playoff game while simultaneously recruiting and building a staff for a rival SEC program. It’s a fair concern, especially given the stakes and the rivalry between the two schools.
So, instead of juggling two jobs, Kiffin is fully focused on LSU’s future, while Ole Miss turns the page with new leadership.
Pete Golding Takes the Helm
In a move that signals long-term vision rather than a short-term patch, Ole Miss didn’t name an interim coach. Instead, they handed the reins to Pete Golding, the former defensive coordinator, and made him the full-time head coach.
His first test? A College Football Playoff showdown against No.
11 Tulane. Not exactly easing into the job.
Golding’s promotion is a bet on continuity and leadership from within. And with several familiar faces on the sideline-albeit temporarily-the Rebels are aiming to keep their postseason momentum intact.
A Unique Setup for a Historic Moment
This isn’t a common arrangement. Coaches rarely leave for a new job and then allow their departing staff to circle back for one last game.
But in this case, it’s a compromise that benefits both sides. Ole Miss gets experienced, trusted voices to help steer the ship through uncharted waters.
Kiffin gets to honor his staff’s relationships with the players and finish the season with a sense of closure.
It’s not the cleanest breakup, but it’s one that prioritizes the athletes and the moment they’ve worked all season to reach. And for Ole Miss, that moment-a shot at playoff glory-is bigger than any one coach.