Who is John David Baker? New Ole Miss OC on sideline at Fiesta Bowl

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New Ole Miss football offensive coordinator John David Baker is at the Fiesta Bowl.

Baker was shown on the sideline during the first quarter of the Rebels’ College Football Playoff semifinal game against Miami on Jan. 8 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Baker had a headset on, but is not the offensive coordinator for the game. Charlie Weis Jr., who will leave Ole Miss for LSU after the season, is calling plays. According to ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit, Baker is assisting in the game.

The Ole Miss offense was off to a slow start, punting on its first two possessions without a first down, until running back Kewan Lacy ran a 73-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter for a 7-3 lead.

Who is John David Baker?

Baker will be Ole Miss’ offensive coordinator for 2026. He was hired by Pete Golding, Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator who was promoted after Lane Kiffin left for LSU.

Baker was East Carolina‘s offensive coordinator for the last two seasons. He was on the Ole Miss staff from 2021-23 as a co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Baker has also coached at Southern Cal and North Texas, and played at Abilene Christian.

Ole Miss hired Baker on Dec. 9.

John David Baker age

Baker is 35 years old.

Who is calling Ole Miss offensive plays vs Miami?

Weis is calling the offensive plays for Ole Miss like he has all season.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: John David Baker: Ole Miss new OC on sideline for Fiesta Bowl vs Miami

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