It’s official, Ole Miss has a new defensive coordinator.

Former Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre has been named the new Ole Miss defensive coordinator, replacing Wesley McGriff, who was dismissed following the conclusion of the 2018 season. The Ole Miss Rivals site was the first to report news of the hire over the weekend.

MacIntyre served as Colorado’s coach for six seasons before returning to Oxford to become the program’s new head defensive coach. MacIntyre was named 2016 Coach of the Year by multiple outlets after leading Colorado to a 10-win season. He has also received 2009 Assistant Coach of the Year honors for his work as Duke’s defensive coordinator.

Matt Luke offered up the following comments on the decision to hire MacIntyre. This will be the third time Luke and MacIntyre have served on the same staff, as they have both worked together previously at Ole Miss and under David Cutcliffe at Duke.

“I could not be more excited to add Mike’s leadership, values and high-level experience to our program,” Luke said. “Throughout our years together at Duke and Ole Miss, I have seen firsthand his ability to turn around a defense, and I look forward to seeing his veteran influence on that side of the ball. Mike is also a tremendous recruiter and should make an immediate impact as we assemble this important class.”

MacIntyre has been coaching for 29 seasons, including five seasons in the NFL. MacIntyre has also worked previously in Oxford, when he worked on both sides of the ball from 1999-2002.

“I am honored and excited to have this opportunity,” MacIntyre said. “From our time working together, I have a lot of respect for Matt as a coach and as a man. The future is bright under his leadership, and I look forward to working with the players to help take this program to the next level.

“Oxford is a special place. My family and I loved our time there, and we can’t wait to be back and part of this wonderful community.”