Last December, Pete Golding confidently stood in front of reporters and declared that he would remain the defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, even after being promoted to full-time head coach following Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. He had been wearing the headset during Ole Miss’ playoff run, and it seemed like he was ready to take on the challenge of leading the team’s defense. However, things took an unexpected turn when the season wrapped up and Golding made the decision to hire Patrick Toney as the new defensive coordinator.
This news came as a shock to many, especially after Golding’s previous declaration. But, as it turns out, the decision was not made lightly. Golding had received an opportunity that he simply could not refuse – a chance to join the NFL and become a part of the prestigious coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys. And with a salary of $6.35 billion, it was a no-brainer for him to make the move.
Golding’s decision to leave Ole Miss for the NFL may have come as a surprise, but it is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent as a coach. His journey to this point has not been an easy one, but he has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of taking on any challenge thrown his way.
Golding’s coaching career began at Delta State University, where he served as a graduate assistant for two seasons. He then moved on to the University of Southern Miss, where he spent four years as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. In 2015, he joined the staff at Alabama as a defensive analyst, and in 2018, he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator. During his time at Alabama, Golding played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them win two national championships.
In 2020, Golding joined Ole Miss as the defensive coordinator, and in his first season, he helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015. His leadership and expertise were crucial in the team’s success, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Ole Miss. So, it was no surprise when he was offered the head coaching position following Kiffin’s departure.
However, Golding’s ultimate dream was to coach in the NFL, and when the opportunity presented itself, he could not pass it up. His decision to leave Ole Miss for the Dallas Cowboys is a testament to his ambition and determination to reach the highest level of coaching.
While Golding’s departure may leave a void in Ole Miss, the team is in good hands with their new defensive coordinator, Patrick Toney. Toney brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously worked with Golding at Alabama and most recently at the University of Texas. He is known for his aggressive and innovative defensive strategies, and he is expected to continue the success of the Ole Miss defense.
As for Golding, he will be joining a star-studded coaching staff at the Dallas Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy. He will have the opportunity to work with some of the best players in the NFL and learn from one of the most respected coaches in the league. This move is not only a significant step in Golding’s career but also a testament to his abilities as a coach.
In conclusion, while it may have been a surprise to see Pete Golding leave Ole Miss for the NFL, it is a move that was well-deserved and a testament to his talent and hard work. He has proven himself at every level of coaching, and there is no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new role with the Dallas Cowboys. Ole Miss may have lost a great defensive coordinator, but they have gained a new head coach in Patrick Toney, and the future looks bright for both Golding and the Rebels. We wish Pete Golding all the best in his new endeavor and have no doubt that he will continue to make a name for himself in the world of football.
