The Ole Miss Coordinators Speak: Charlie Weis, Jr. and Pete Golding talk offense and defense
OXFORD, Miss. — On Friday, Charlie Weis, Jr. and Pete Golding, the Ole Miss defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively, spoke with media for the first time this season — and for Golding, it was the first time he had done so since his hiring seven months ago.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. on the QBs
Offensively, the buzz has largely involved the quarterback room and who will be the starter this season. Will it be Jaxson Dart, the incumbent starter from last season who has reportedly made marked improvement since 2022, or one of a trio of talented newcomers: transfers Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU) and freshman Austin Simmons?
Second-year offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr shared some insight on the situation.
“There’s a lot of factors that go into that (naming a starter). At the end of the day, my job is to coach those guys the best I can to get them playing at the highest level and then ultimately let Coach Kiffin make that decision. There are a variety of things that go into it. Taking care of the football, explosive plays, who can operate the offense most efficiently, who can play with tempo. Several factors go into that.”
Charlie Weis, Jr. on the QB room
Quinshon Judkins’ expanded role
One thing Ole Miss fans don’t have to worry about is who will get the vast majority of carries out the backfield.
Running back Quinshon Judkins is back after a stellar freshman season where he broke two records, both in total yards and touchdowns in a single season.
Weis, Jr. was effusive in his praise for Judkins.
“The best two players I’ve coached are Derrick Henry and Q. I was with Derrick Henry at Alabama and actually spent time with him in that running back room. Just seeing how special he was, (he) obviously won the Heisman Trophy that season and Q is right there with him. The things he can do and his skill set have improved since last season. The things he can do in the passing game now are really unique. Really excited to develop and grow our system around him and find new ways to feature him.”
Charlie Weis, Jr. on Quinshon Judkins
Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding
Ole Miss football has a new man in charge on the defensive side of the football. Pete Golding is entering his first season with the Rebels, but he is no stranger to the SEC — and more particularly the SEC West, having served in the same capacity at Alabama.
In five seasons under Golding as defensive coordinator, the Crimson Tide only lost seven games total. Although some might argue a big part of that record stems from the talent Alabama had on the field, there’s no doubt it also takes great coaching and a solid scheme to allow players to be successful, much less great recruiting.
“Instead of trying to say ‘Hey here’s the system’ and trying to fit the players to a system, you really try ‘Who do we have and what can they do?’ and put them in those situations that they can excel in.”
Pete Golding on fitting a system to his players
Suntarine Perkins
Golding comes to Oxford along with highly-touted linebacker recruit Suntarine Perkins. Golding was heavily involved in recruiting Perkins for Alabama before he eventually signed with Ole Miss. The coaches will focus on putting the former five-star Perkins in the best situation for the young player to excel.
“Obviously I recruited him at the last place (Alabama) as well, and we always knew he was a really gifted athlete. I had him ranked as the top linebacker in the country. Extremely explosive, really fast, has really good top end speed but his closing speed is really good. I think it’s a struggle for young players that haven’t been in a college system, especially early. Transitioning to being behind the ball, stacking. A lot of his high school tape was off the edge or apex. Having to read and diagnose the box is the struggle with those guys.”
Pete Golding on Suntarine Perkins
Golding has been noticeable in his method of coaching his players, taking time to teach and explain the schemes to the young — and returning — players, alike. He frequently takes notes during practice, and appears to be incredibly thorough, no surprise for someone coming from Nick Saban’s coaching tree.
Ole Miss kicks off against Mercer on September 2nd at Vaught-Hemingway. Stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for more information as fall camp continues.
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
