Ole Miss Football: Rebels With New Staff Kickoff Spring Practice

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: Head Coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels on the sidelines during a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: Head Coach Matt Luke of the Mississippi Rebels on the sidelines during a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Coach Matt Luke and Ole Miss football have finally kicked off spring practice with the new staff members in place on the field.

Well the wait is finally over. The excitement which has been created around the Ole Miss football program is building and now Rebels fans don’t have to wait any longer. Coach Matt Luke, the new staff members and our Rebels hit the field Tuesday to begin spring practice. New coordinators Rich Rodriguez and Mike MacIntyre along with new assistants Calvin Magee and Tyrone Nix will ensure an exciting spring practice.

Both Rich Rodriguez and Mike MacIntyre have had success as power-5 conference head coaches and bring almost 50 years in combined coaching experience to the Ole Miss football program. Calvin Magee has been a long time assistant for Rodriguez over the years and Tyrone Nix is a late addition to the staff because of the departure of Jon Sumrall. Nix will be returning to Ole Miss to coach linebackers.

What We Want To See

Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss Rebels

After last season we obviously want to see an improvement on defense. Over the past two seasons the Ole Miss defense was ranked as one of the worst in the nation. Now with MacIntyre running the new 3-4 defense we have to believe the defense will be much better.

As with any new coordinator we may see more changes on the defensive side of the ball thru the spring when it comes to personnel at specific positions. However, we do have certain players we want to see during the spring and see how they fit into the new defense.

Of course, with the upcoming NFL Draft the Rebels took a huge roster hit on the offensive side of the ball and Rich Rod will have to fill some gaps. The offensive line including the tight-end position are areas of concern. The NWO will also look much different during the spring. Naturally we are anxious.

Please be sure to be checking back for updates on Ole Miss football and the spring practice. You can also visit and like the OHT Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for the latest Ole Miss news and updates. Hotty Toddy!