Can Pete Golding get Ole Miss out from Lane Kiffin's shadow?

Pete Golding’s move to become Ole Miss’ defensive coordinator replacement for Lane Kiffin turned into an unexpected test of stability for the Rebels. Golding, who left Alabama after the 2022 season, said he tried to persuade Kiffin to stay late into the night of Nov. 30, warning that a change could go badly. As Kiffin’s departure neared, Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter had begun a search, anticipating a messy transition and a portal-driven scramble for players. But once Golding took over, the season flipped: Ole Miss beat Tulane in the College Football Playoff first round, then stunned Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, before losing to Miami one play short of the title game.