Finally, it's over for Pete Golding. Ever since Lane Kiffin's announcement of recalling his staff back to LSU, every press conference had the same question waiting for him: any update on the Fiesta Bowl coaching situation.
That update came Wednesday, as two of the four LSU-bound head coaches have finally succumbbed to LSU's calls for managing the transfer portal chaos a day before the semifinals.
Two assistant coaches make their way to LSU
ESPN's David Hale reported that tight ends coach Joe Cox and wide receivers coach George McDonald will not be with Ole Miss for the Miami showdown.
"Pete Golding confirms Joe Cox and George McDonald are the 2 offensive coaches who will not be with Ole Miss for the Fiesta Bowl. But notes LSU has 35 players in the portal and they have jobs they’re being paid to do," Hale tweeted.
Instead of calling them out, Golding defended the two for simply doing their job.
"That's been something that has been coming the whole time," Golding said. "There has been constant communication. They have another job that is paying them and have a responsibility, and at this time, with the way the calendar is now … they have to build a team."
“Obviously, do they want to be here? You’re damn right they do. But the situation that it is, they’ve got a job to do, and they’ve got to build a team.”
LSU/Ole Miss staff update. https://t.co/Jd4zDM0XyQ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 7, 2026
Two down; two to go.
The thing is, they're not going before the Fiesta Bowl. Both running backs coach Kevin Smith and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. are in Arizona with the rest of the Rebels to help them prepare for taking down Miami.
This could be a huge benefit for the Rebels, given Chambliss and RB Lacy are the roster's crown jewels.
It is a win every Mississippi fan would be deeply rooting for to have that shot at National Championship.