TRUTH: Even Without Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss, Pete Golding can WIN the CHAMPIONSHIP after Staff Stays

Pete Golding keeps Ole Miss Rebels’ championship dream alive, locking in nine assistant coaches as the College Football Playoff nears. Can his steady leadership propel Ole Miss past playoff rivals and spark a new era in Oxford? Steven Willis spotlights Golding’s efforts in stabilizing the staff after Lane Kiffin’s dramatic exit, the crucial role of Charlie Weis Jr. in offensive play calling, and how Ole Miss can avoid disruption despite high-profile coaching shifts.

Key storylines include proposing a bold new postseason tradition—powder blue “Johnny Vaught” helmets with numbers for playoff games—creating a lasting identity for future Rebels teams. Steven Willis unpacks potential assistant hires for 2026, imaginative branding moves, updates from the Pete Golding unveiling, and the emotional temperature in the aftermath of Kiffin’s LSU saga. Will the Rebels’ revitalized staff and unique traditions set the stage for a national title run?

Ole Miss, Ole Miss Football, Pete Golding, Lane Kiffin, College Football Playoff, Ole Miss podcast, Ole Miss News, Rebels, Ole Miss Coaching Staff, Johnny Vaught, Charlie Weis Jr, LSU, SEC Football, Oxford, George McDonald, Jo Cox, Dante Moncrief, Kevin Smith, John Garrison, powder blue helmets, Ole Miss traditions, Ole Miss Rumors

Episode Timestamps & Segments

0:00 – Staff Retention & Playoff Prep
Steven Willis

discusses Pete Golding's success in holding the Ole Miss coaching staff together for the College Football Playoff run. He breaks down which assistants will be returning, implications for the upcoming playoff game, and opinions on Lane Kiffin and LSU cooperation around staffing.

11:57 – New Playoff Tradition Idea
Steven Willis

pitches a new Ole Miss postseason tradition: wearing powder blue helmets with numbers (JHV helmets) for playoff games. He explains why this could address the program's identity issue after Lane Kiffin, and how it connects to Ole Miss history and fan engagement.

17:58 – Pete Golding Press Conference Preview
Steven Willis

gives a preview of what to expect from Pete Golding’s press conference, discusses future coaching staff and GM hires, and provides insight and rumors around 2026 staffing and program direction post-playoff run.

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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