Sports

Pete Golding Reveals True Feelings About Lane Kiffin, Admits Tampering At SEC Media Days

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Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Pete Golding speaks about Lane Kiffin at SEC Media Days.


Ole Miss coach Pete Golding took to the podium for his first SEC Media Day event on Wednesday. He spoke on a few things as they relate to his program.

One particularly viral response touched on his relationship with Lane Kiffin. Another referenced tampering in college football in the current era of NIL and the transfer portal.

Golding is gearing up for his first full season as head coach in Oxford. His team has been top of mind this offseason for a few different reasons.

How does Pete Golding feel about Lane Kiffin?

Kiffin bailed on the Rebels during the 2025 season despite being primed for a run in the College Football Playoff. He accepted a job at rival LSU and will open SEC play in his old stomping grounds this year.

The move was highly controversial. Aspects of timing, money, and recruiting were major talking points.

The Tigers swiped Kiffin after firing Brian Kelly for more than $50 million. He inked a deal worth $13 million per year and hit the ground running.

Ole Miss fans were, and still are, bitter about the decision. Kiffin left them high and dry amid his most successful season. Golding would take over and nearly lead the program to the national championship game.

Kiffin’s move split the staff. His offensive coaches followed him to Baton Rouge. The defensive staff largely stayed put with Golding. Feelings of animosity have been speculated. Golding was asked to reveal his true feelings while at SEC Media Days. His response might surprise.

“(Everyone asks) How do you really feel about him?” he replied. “Lane and I are good. I did not know Coach Kiffin prior to taking the Ole Miss job (despite our Alabama ties)… I didn’t come to Ole Miss because of Coach Kiffin…

“Our relationship really grew in those three years. I was very, very appreciative of how he treated me and my family. I learned a lot from him. I have no ill-will towards Coach Kiffin.”

Pete Golding says they still text on a regular basis. He is not salty about the decision. Kiffin did what was best for his family, not what was best for Ole Miss.

There were layers to the coaching move. Obviously, Kiffin brought the program to new heights. His departure left it in a state of unknown before a postseason run.

Beyond the 2026, though, recruiting impacts would be seen. LSU took four highly rated players from the Ole Miss roster. Tampering was alleged as two Rebels had already signed NIL deals to stay in Oxford.

Ole Miss, too, has dealt with scandals involving potentially illegal recruitments this offseason. Two programs have reported the Rebels for violations. Golding commented on the state of college football in his press conference.

Did Ole Miss tamper?

Golding was asked about tampering. He admitted it’s happening everywhere. While he didn’t specifically confess to doing it himself, his response was an essential smoking gun.

“Would you quit your job before interviewing for another job? No, nobody would,” he said. “Let’s not act like recruiting in college football for the last 100 years is the most moral thing that’s ever been… When you’re on the interstate and people start flying by you, what do you start doing?”

That was not an admission. His compliance team has warned against it. It was most certainly not a denial.

Golding’s program has been accused by both Clemson and Fresno State of tampering. Linebacker Luke Ferreli broke contract with the Tigers days after enrolling to transfer to Oxford. Dabo Swinney called the Rebels out to force the NCAA to open an investigation.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, alleged illegal contact with receiver Josiah Freeman.

Pete Golding does not deny tampering. Some could read into his response as an admission of guilt. Everyone is doing it. Ole Miss has to keep up.