The offseason has been a whirlwind for the Ole Miss Rebels, with significant changes shaking up the coaching staff. Lane Kiffin's decision to take the helm at LSU left a substantial void, prompting a quick pivot for Ole Miss as they appointed Pete Golding as the new head coach. This transition sparked a tug-of-war for assistant coaches, with Kiffin taking much of the offensive staff, including GM Billy Glasscock and Strength and Conditioning Coach Nick Savage, to Baton Rouge.
Golding, stepping into his new role, faced the immediate challenge of rebuilding the staff. He made strategic moves to fill these gaps, particularly focusing on bolstering the defensive side.
Early in January, Golding brought in Patrick Toney from the Arizona Cardinals as Co-Defensive Coordinator, capitalizing on their past collaboration at Southeastern Louisiana and UTSA. Toney's SEC experience, having served as Billy Napier's defensive coordinator in 2022, added significant value.
However, just over a month later, Golding finds himself back at square one, as Toney is reportedly joining the Atlanta Falcons as their new defensive pass game coordinator. This unexpected departure is a setback for Ole Miss, considering Toney's anticipated impact on the staff.
Yet, Golding is not without options. With Bryan Brown already serving as Co-Defensive Coordinator, there's potential for a seamless transition if Golding decides against bringing in another hire.
Despite Toney's exit, Ole Miss's defensive strategy remains in capable hands. Golding, who was set to handle defensive play-calling in 2026, ensures continuity and stability. The Rebels will need to navigate these changes with resilience, but the foundation laid by Golding provides a solid platform to build upon as they prepare for the upcoming season.