Building While Battling: Pete Golding Sets the Foundation as Ole Miss Prepares for CFP Debut

OXFORD, Miss. — In college football, timing is rarely convenient, and Ole Miss is living proof. Just days before hosting the first College Football Playoff game in program history, the Rebels are navigating a coaching transition, staff hiring and reshuffling, and the weight of expectations that come with national relevance. Yet amid the noise, head coach Pete Golding has kept Ole Miss anchored in continuity — addressing the immediate task at hand while simultaneously laying the groundwork for what comes next. As Oxford prepares for a postseason spotlight against Tulane, Golding’s early moves reveal a program intent on competing now without sacrificing its future.

Offensive Coordinator John David Baker

Despite the pressure, Coach Golding has managed to maintain fluidity and consistency during this critical rebuild by returning his defensive staff and bringing back a familiar face on offense: John David Baker, who will take over as offensive coordinator.

Baker joined Ole Miss in 2021 as the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator. In his inaugural season with the Rebels, he helped lead them to an SEC-best total offense ranking. He was later promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2022 before heading off to East Carolina for two seasons as their offensive coordinator.

When he arrived in Greenville, East Carolina was averaging just 17 points per game; under his guidance, that number soared to 32 points per game in 2024 and then reached 33.5 points in his final season there. While Baker may lack extensive experience as a sole coordinator at a Power Five program, his track record of immediate improvements and player development speaks volumes.

When teams undergo significant changes, one of the biggest questions is how much the playbook will evolve. Fortunately for Ole Miss fans, Baker’s arrival should not drastically alter the offensive scheme; instead, expect similarities in play-calling reminiscent of what players were accustomed to under the existing Ole Miss signature offense.

The offense is likely to maintain its balance between rushing and passing attacks. A key factor in preserving this balance will be retaining essential personnel from the current lineup, including talents like Trinidad Chambliss, should he receive a waiver for another year of eligibility next season, and Kewan Lacy, who the Rebels hope to keep in Oxford and out of the transfer portal. Thankfully, Baker possesses a strong understanding of the offensive strategies Ole Miss needs to keep moving forward.

As previously mentioned, this focus extends beyond just immediate results; it also encompasses future prospects. At the heart of any coaching change are the relationships built with newly-signed recruits—and perhaps more importantly—the commitments from prospects considering Ole Miss among their top choices.

2027 QB Recruit Keegan Croucher

Blue-chip New England quarterback and 2027 Ole Miss commit Keegan Croucher had opportunities with numerous top programs but found that Oxford was the perfect fit after several visits and relationship-building efforts. However, when changes occur within coaching staff dynamics—especially at quarterback—there’s always a risk of losing elite athletes like Croucher. As it stands now, he remains committed to Ole Miss. We asked Keegan his thoughts on John David Baker’s hiring as offensive coordinator.

Keegan Croucher

Croucher is gearing up for an exciting senior season as he transitions to a new school — The Baylor School in Chattanooga —  concluding his high school journey after two impactful years leading the Cheshire Academy offense in Connecticut.

During his junior year, Croucher showcased his skills in nine games, amassing 1,692 passing yards and throwing 16 touchdowns against six interceptions. His efforts helped the Cats secure a solid 7-3 record, finishing as the No. 7 high school program in Connecticut.

At Baylor School, Croucher will step into a dynamic environment known for producing top-tier talent, recently becoming a prime recruiting ground for Ole Miss. The team concluded their last season undefeated at 12-0, clinching the Class A DII state title. This presents an excellent opportunity for Croucher to fill the void left by fellow four-star quarterback and Louisville signee Briggs Cherry.

Final thoughts

As Ole Miss readies itself for Saturday afternoon in a packed Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the moment represents more than just a playoff game — it’s a snapshot of where this program is headed. Golding’s approach has been steady, intentional, and rooted in continuity, from reuniting with John David Baker to reinforcing relationships with elite recruits like Keegan Croucher. While the spotlight shines on Tulane and the present, the foundation being laid in Oxford extends well beyond one kickoff. For the Rebels, this isn’t just about making history — it’s about making sure moments like this become the expectation, not the exception./.

Next Up

The Rebels are set to kick off against Tulane at 2:30 PM in the CFP round action from Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Excitement is building as fans anticipate what lies ahead!