"At least the 41-year-old former defensive coordinator is predictable. That wasn't always the case with Lane Kiffin, the former Ole Miss coach who abruptly left the Rebels at the end of the regular season to take over SEC rival LSU. Kiffin seems to spend as much time on social media as he does residing in opposing defensive coordinators' heads because of his unpredictable playcalling."
""I'm not changing who I am," Golding said during his first session with reporters after being named Kiffin's replacement. "I ain't changing what the hell I wear. I'm [not] going to yoga ... I ain't doing any of that s---. I am who I am." The once-shaggy-haired Golding did get a haircut after replacing Kiffin and has been more polished in news conferences, according to local reporters."
"But he's still sporting a beard and visor and sometimes has tobacco in his lip. The former Delta State safety remains as competitive as ever as well. "You don't know me well, but I don't care if I'm coaching football or playing my wife in tennis," Golding said. "Like, I'm trying to whip your ass, all right?" In the 19 days since taking over the Rebels, Golding has worked hard to convince his players that the postseason isn't about him -- or Kiffin."
Pete Golding is Ole Miss' first-time head coach and will lead the Rebels against Tulane in a College Football Playoff first-round game. Golding's only activity on X since January 2023 has been dropping a shark emoji, and he is portrayed as predictable compared with Lane Kiffin. Lane Kiffin abruptly left Ole Miss after the regular season to take the LSU job and was courted by Florida and LSU; he is associated with heavy social-media presence and unpredictable playcalling. Golding emphasizes authenticity, kept elements of his appearance while trimming his hair, projects intense competitiveness, and has worked in 19 days to refocus players away from personalities.
Read at ESPN.com
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