Still, there is one key way that Golding's version of Ole Miss seems to be different than Kiffin's early-on, and it comes down to defense. Pete Golding is a Defensive-Minded Head Coach with a Hard-Nosed MentalityJul 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels head coach Pete Golding speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. That in itself lays the blueprint for how Ole Miss fans expect this program to be run under the longtime defensive coordinator. Just think of Ole Miss under Kiffin; he, in a sense, became the brand itself. all became instantly-recognizable across the country and were immediately associated with Ole Miss.