Why Pete Golding is OK with LSU-connected coaches helping Ole Miss in CFP

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OXFORD − Multiple assistants on Ole Miss football coach Pete Golding’s staff have been connected to future jobs at LSU.

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following former coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, per reports. Former tight ends coach Joe Cox, wide receivers coach George McDonald, assistant quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens and slot receivers coach Swayer Jordan are also headed to LSU.

Those five assistants are staying with Ole Miss through the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN. Ole Miss (11-1) hosts Tulane (11-2) on Dec. 20 (2:30 p.m., TNT).

Golding did not discuss the status of individual coaches, but spoke about the report and the unusual position. The prospect of having future opponents in the building doesn’t worry Golding. He says it starts with their character.

“The guys that came back to lead those rooms are great men,” Golding said Dec. 11. “There’s nothing, prior to them leaving, where we questioned if they were going to coach in the (CFP) game or not. The question was going to be where are they coaching next year.”

Sure, assistants leaving will continue building relationships with players, and the transfer portal opens Jan. 2. The benefit is just too strong to ignore. The game against Tulane is the first CFP game in Ole Miss history. Players want to win it.

“I think the big thing from our players, at any level, DII, Division I, the NFL, they want to be in a room with guys that create value for them,” Golding said. “Getting you prepared to play really well, whether its individually, as a group or as a unit. When you get back to a routine, you are doing it with the same guy that got you to 11-1. Where he’s going to be in January really doesn’t matter.”

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss said having Weis back is a big boost. Weis’ presence provides stability and familiarity after Kiffin’s departure on Nov. 30.

“That’s crucial,” Chambliss said. “Me being a quarterback, having the same guy with me throughout the playoffs in my ear telling me the defense is going to be in this coverage.”

Golding related the situation to breaking up with your girlfriend and then getting back together. Sure, it’s a little odd. Golding said the team had conversations about it. The heart of the meetings were to remind the team to relax, and that the coaches are the same men as before.

Golding addressed the uncertainty about 2026 in those talks, but said it’s not an unprecedented situation. Coaching staff and roster turnover is generally quite common, especially for teams that do well enough to make it to the CFP.

“Any coach is questioning (what he’s doing next season),” Golding said. “Regardless of if they are successful, right? A lot of people want them. Or they are not successful and are about to get their ass fired. There’s indecision for everybody, including every locker room.”

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: Pete Golding explains why LSU-connected coaches are with Ole Miss in CFP

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