Ole Miss Coach Makes Unexpected Decision After Lane Kiffin's Departure

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss Coach Makes Unexpected Decision After Lane Kiffin's Departure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 6:00 AM ET

The Ole Miss Rebels moved up to No. 6 after the latest College Football Playoff rankings were revealed on Tuesday night.

That comes just two days after Lane Kiffin officially decided to leave Oxford and go to Baton Rouge to be the LSU Tigers coach in a drama-filled departure.

After Kiffin's announcement was made official, Ole Miss wasted no time and named defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the permanent head coach.

Golding held the same role at Alabama under Nick Saban before coming to Ole Miss. He also signed a new contract extension before the season, so he is a well-known name in the industry.

Mississippi Rebels new head coach Pete Golding cancels press conference, instead issues a statement. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

With Golding hired, he was set to have an introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

However, he has decided to cancel that, per a statement he released on Tuesday night.

"After reconsidering tomorrow’s activities, I have decided to shift the focus back to where it belongs — the team. Our players have not received the notoriety they deserve for their remarkable accomplishments this season. They have given their all to Ole Miss, and I want to see the spotlight placed on them and the mission in front of us."

"This time is not about my start as head coach," the statement continued. "It is about finishing this season’s story with a playoff run, and we look forward to discussing the next step in that journey following Sunday’s selection announcement."

NEWS: Ole Miss has cancelled new head coach Pete Golding's press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 pm. pic.twitter.com/foxqqtBs7f
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 3, 2025

On Tuesday, Ole Miss hosted Miami in a men's college basketball game.

Golding was at the game and even spoke briefly to the crowd in the arena.

New Ole Miss HC Pete Golding talks to the crowd here at the SJB Pavilion with players in tow. pic.twitter.com/xmyKjaxWIq
— Jake Thompson (@JakeThompsonOn3) December 3, 2025

But, for now, Golding is delaying the press conference and focusing on the upcoming College Football Playoff.

If the rankings are any indication, Ole Miss will host a first-round game in Oxford. The final College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Sunday, December 7, at noon ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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