Ole Miss Adds Frank Wilson to Coaching Staff as Pete Golding Builds New Era

Ole Miss football faced a major shakeup when Lane Kiffin departed for LSU at the end of November, leaving the program to navigate a coaching transition. The Rebels are now embracing a new era under Pete Golding, the former defensive coordinator promoted to head coach.

Golding is quickly assembling a staff designed to stabilize the program and maintain SEC competitiveness. Among his first moves is hiring Frank Wilson, LSU’s interim head coach, to oversee Ole Miss’s running backs, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz.

Wilson’s arrival will come after LSU finishes its season with a Texas Bowl matchup against No. 21 Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson has been with LSU since 2022, originally serving as running backs coach and associate head coach before stepping into the interim head coaching role following Brian Kelly’s midseason dismissal.

Under Wilson’s leadership, the Tigers went 2-2, gaining valuable experience in managing an SEC program under pressure. His knowledge of the league and experience leading a team make him a valuable addition to Golding’s staff as Ole Miss looks to maintain stability and continuity.

1. Wilson’s Coaching Background

Frank Wilson brings a wealth of coaching experience at both the FBS and FCS levels. Prior to his time at LSU, Wilson served as head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio and McNeese State, gaining leadership experience despite posting a sub-.500 record. At UTSA, Wilson led the Roadrunners to their first bowl appearance in 2016, demonstrating his ability to elevate a program and develop talent in challenging circumstances. His track record suggests he can provide both strategic insight and mentorship for Ole Miss’s running backs. Wilson’s SEC experience is particularly valuable for the Rebels, who are navigating a coaching transition and trying to sustain competitiveness in a conference loaded with high-powered offenses. His familiarity with SEC defenses, recruiting pipelines, and in-game adjustments will be an asset for Golding. Adding Wilson signals Golding’s intent to assemble a staff capable of immediate impact, blending experience and fresh perspectives while also leveraging connections from Louisiana programs.

2. Staff Building and Program Continuity

Wilson’s hiring follows Ole Miss’s recent addition of Austin Thomas, LSU’s senior associate athletic director for football, as the new general manager. These moves reflect a deliberate effort by Golding to create a cohesive, well-supported coaching environment. Kiffin’s move to LSU included several former Ole Miss assistants, so Golding’s ability to attract talent from Baton Rouge demonstrates strategic parity in the SEC coaching carousel. The new staff aims to maintain stability for players while implementing Golding’s vision for the program. While Ole Miss focuses on its upcoming College Football Playoff matchup against Tulane, the SEC rivalry with LSU promises to bring added intrigue with former coaches and staff now on opposite sidelines. These games will offer a glimpse of how Golding’s early staff decisions impact performance in high-stakes situations. The Golding regime is still in its infancy, but the addition of seasoned coaches like Wilson suggests a commitment to both player development and competitive consistency in the SEC.

3. Looking Ahead

As Ole Miss enters the postseason, attention will shift to how the team adapts under Golding’s leadership and new coaching hires. Wilson’s role with the running backs is expected to provide stability and mentoring for skill position players. The combination of experienced coaches, internal continuity, and strategic hires positions the Rebels to remain competitive in the SEC despite Kiffin’s departure. How quickly the new staff can implement systems and build rapport with players will be crucial in 2026 and beyond. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the season concludes and preparations for the 2026 campaign begin. Golding’s early staff decisions, including the addition of Wilson, are being viewed as foundational moves for the program’s next era. Ole Miss’s success may hinge on how quickly the new staff can integrate while maintaining competitiveness against a demanding SEC schedule.