Just when Ole Miss fans were coming out of the Lane Kiffin drama haze, they began to see the changes around in the Grove.
One in particular that caught their eye was how the Manning family was connecting more to their alma mater in just days, thanks to the change in leadership.
Both Eli and Archie Manning were present at the Vaught-Hemingway on Dec. 20 to support the Rebels in their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
The clash of personalities between Kiffin and the Mannings, plus Arch Manning not choosing Ole Miss, kept the Ole Miss legendary family at bay for years.
That was until now, when Pete Golding's arrival gave them a chance to reconnect to their program.
Pete Golding excited to reconnect
When asked about their return, Golding's answer was exactly what an Ole Miss fan would have wanted to hear.
"It’s been awesome. They’re a big part of Ole Miss history and the legacy they’ve created for themselves while they were here," Golding said on Monday.
Given that Kiffin was a transfer portal king and still couldn't get Arch, intensified the silent tension. Golding, however, addressed it upfront and prioritized the family legacy instead.
"There was a previous relationship prior to this from the recruitment of Arch as well. They got to know a lot of those guys."
"Not really Eli and that, because obviously he was up in New York. But his coming back, regardless of who was going to be in this seat, Eli was probably going to be at the first playoff game at his alma mater."
"But having Archie back and talking to the team and the message that he said to them on Friday had a huge impact for our players. Our guys driving around campus, they see that 18 sign, and for him to be able to stand up in front of them and present the message he did was pretty awesome."
Golding's win over Tulane already did it's part in building the Ole Miss fans' faith in him. His blooming relationship with the Mannings is just strengthening it further.