How Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss compared Pete Golding's leadership to Lane Kiffin's

OXFORD — Ole Miss football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has noticed some difference in how Pete Golding and Lane Kiffin coach.

On March 31, in a press conference after an Ole Miss spring practice, Chambliss was asked how the identity of the team has shifted now that Golding, and not Kiffin, is in charge.

“The personalities are a little different than our old coach,” Chambliss said. “I’d say he is more of like a team guy. We really value his leadership. Whatever he says, he’s going to show you faster than he can tell you. He leads by his actions and we really appreciate that.”

Golding was named Ole Miss‘ coach on Nov. 30, 2025. It was the same day Kiffin left Ole Miss to take the job at LSU. Chambliss and the Rebels will face Kiffin and the Tigers on Sept. 19 in the first SEC game of the 2026 season.

Golding’s leadership style is something Chambliss is trying to replicate. Chambliss entered the 2025 season as the backup quarterback. This season, he enters as a Heisman Trophy contender and one of the biggest stars in the sport.

“My (leadership) role increased for sure,” Chambliss said. “Just trying to establish myself, be vocal. I’m not more of a vocal guy for real, but I’ve got to get out of my comfort zone a little bit. Be vocal, lead by example. Just be the best person and player I can be for this team.”

On the field, Chambliss said he has not felt a major change in the offense. Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. followed Kiffin to LSU. He was replaced by John David Baker.

Baker coached at Ole Miss from 2021-23. He was the tight ends coach (2021-23) and the co-offensive coordinator (2022-23) before leaving to be the offensive coordinator at East Carolina the last two seasons.

“It’s a lot of similarities (to the 2025 offense),” Chambliss said. “(Baker) was here, actually .. with Kiff. So he knows the offense. It’s basically the same offense. He has some new plays, some new terminology to learn. But overall it’s the same thing.”

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How Trinidad Chambliss compares Pete Golding, Lane Kiffin leadership