Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding has confirmed he will continue to call defensive plays this season, a decision bolstered by a conversation with Brent Venables, the head coach of Oklahoma. Golding, who was promoted to head coach on November 30 after Lane Kiffin left for LSU, has built a strong reputation as a defensive coach over nearly two decades, including a successful tenure as defensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2018 to 2022. During that time, Golding's defenses won three SEC titles and a national championship in 2020. In 2024, Ole Miss' defense achieved remarkable success, leading the nation with 52 sacks and 120 tackles for loss, while allowing only 80.5 rushing yards per game, the fewest since 1966. Golding has elevated Bryan Brown to defensive coordinator, who has been managing the defensive unit while Golding focuses on recruiting and other tasks. This collaboration allows Golding to engage more with the defensive team and prepare effectively for practices.