Ole Miss Football reported to be hiring George McDonald as wide receivers coach

It's been a few minutes since Derrick Nix left his role as wide receivers coach at Ole Miss and headed to Auburn as the new offensive coordinator. Today, reports suggest the Rebels have found their replacement.

Earlier today, reports have surfaced suggesting Lane Kiffin has his new wide receivers coach. George McDonald, who currently serves as the Illinois assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, is set to be the new Ole Miss WRs coach, sources have told 247sports.

McDonald is also set to be the passing game coordinator on top of being the wide receivers coach for the Rebels.

It is a surprise move from Ole Miss, as many expected the appointment to come from within the building or having ties to the school.

George McDonald has been wide receivers coach and assistant head coach for three seasons with Illinois. In his first season, he helped the offense rank in the top five in the Big Ten Conference, finishing third in passing yards. McDonald was also a big part in earning All-Big Ten honours for wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who was a converted QB.

McDonald played wide receiver for the Fighting Illini from 1994-1998. He finished his four seasons with 57 receptions for 589 yards and four touchdowns. Since joining back up with Illinois, he had numerous stops around the league as a coach, with brief spells in the NFL.

If the reports are correct, Ole Miss are getting an experienced receivers coach who has squeezed every ounce he can out of above-average receivers at Illinois. At the Rebels, he would have a group of talented players to work with in 2024.