Ole Miss Football Team Welcomes New Coach Amid Kiffin's Departure

In a recent meeting, the Ole Miss football team learned of a significant change in leadership as head coach Lane Kiffin prepares to depart for Louisiana State University. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as athletic director Keith Carter addressed the players on November 30.

Upon entering the meeting, players were instructed to surrender their phones, but one individual managed to record the proceedings, leading to the audio being shared online. Carter, a former student-athlete himself, expressed his deep connection to the university. “You guys mean a lot to me,” he stated, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to Ole Miss.

“I’ve been here forever. Been here 30 years,” Carter continued, underscoring his dedication to the institution and its athletes. He then introduced Pete Golding, the team’s defensive coordinator, as the new head coach. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the players.

Chancellor Glenn Boyce also addressed the team, praising their resilience during a challenging period. “You’ve shown your maturity. It’s been amazing what you’ve achieved,” he remarked, highlighting the historic nature of their season.

Boyce conveyed gratitude on behalf of alumni and fans, stating, “We appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.” He encouraged the players to reflect on their time at Ole Miss as special, despite the current upheaval.

Looking ahead, Boyce reassured the team that their goals remain attainable. “Keep pushing,” he urged. “Don’t lose your dream.”

Kiffin’s announcement of his departure came as a surprise after six seasons with Ole Miss. He expressed a desire to lead the team through the upcoming College Football Playoff but was ultimately denied that opportunity by Carter.

“After a lot of prayer and time spent with family, I made the difficult decision to accept the head coaching position at LSU,” Kiffin explained. He had hoped to finish his tenure with a playoff run but acknowledged that his request to continue coaching was not granted.

“Unfortunately, that means Friday’s Egg Bowl against Mississippi State was my last game coaching the Rebels,” Kiffin concluded, marking an end to an era for Ole Miss football.