Nick Saban raves about Pete Golding ahead of first full season as Ole Miss head coach
Published:
Few coaches in the history of sports have watched as many former assistants go on to enjoy productive head-coaching stints as Nick Saban has, and he’s set to watch another one of his disciples embark on their full-time journey this season.
After stepping in for the departed Lane Kiffin at the end of the 2025 campaign, former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding is taking over the reins this season as he aims to guide the Rebels back to the College Football Playoff.
Generally regarded as a no-nonsense football junkie, Golding worked under Saban as a defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach from 2018-2022, helping create some fearsome units in Tuscaloosa.
As a result, Saban has high praise for his former assistant, and the legendary head coach spoke on Golding’s potential during SEC Media Day festivities on Wednesday.
“I think Pete is a ball guy. He’s one of the best coaches that we had — and we’ve had some good ones that are having a lot of success out there as head coaches — and I think Pete is going to fit into that,” Saban said. “He’s very authentic. He’s a good football guy. He knows personnel. He can recruit really well.”
Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!
A native of Hammond, Louisiana, Golding has been with the Rebels since being hired by Kiffin in 2023.
Parker is currently the sports editor for Gulf Coast Media in Foley, Alabama. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
