Ole Miss is bringing in a familiar face to help shape the future of its football program - and it’s a move that ties directly into the roots of defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
Todd Cooley, the longtime head coach at Delta State, has officially joined the Rebels as director of high school relations and special assistant to Golding. Delta State announced the move on January 22, closing the book on a 13-year run that saw Cooley become the winningest coach in the program’s history.
Cooley’s track record speaks for itself. Over more than a decade at the helm, he guided the Statesmen to an 82-49 record and four trips to the Division II playoffs.
That kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built on recruiting savvy, player development, and a deep understanding of how to build a winning culture. Now, he brings that experience to Oxford, where Ole Miss is clearly prioritizing not just on-field results, but the relationships and infrastructure behind them.
This hire also reconnects Cooley with Golding, whose own coaching journey began at Delta State. Golding graduated from the school in 2005 and later returned as an assistant coach from 2010 to 2011. That shared background adds another layer of familiarity and trust to the staff dynamic - something that can be invaluable in the high-stakes world of SEC football.
Cooley isn’t the only new addition. Just a day earlier, on January 21, Golding added Paul Constantine as strength and conditioning coach and Cody Woodiel as tight ends coach. With those hires locked in, the Rebels’ 2026 coaching staff is quickly taking shape.
One key piece still to be announced: the linebackers coach. That role will be crucial, especially with Golding’s defensive pedigree and the importance of linebacker play in his system. But with experienced minds like Cooley now in the building, Ole Miss is clearly focused on building a staff that’s as connected as it is capable.
This is more than just a personnel move - it’s a strategic step toward reinforcing the foundation of the program, both on the field and in recruiting circles. And with National Signing Day looming, having a veteran like Cooley overseeing high school relations could pay dividends sooner rather than later.