Ole Miss filled one of the most important openings on its 2026 staff in the middle of a College Football Playoff run.
Coach Pete Golding hired former Arizona Cardinals defensive backs coach Patrick Toney as the Rebels’ next defensive coordinator, the program announced Wednesday.
The move reunites Golding and Toney, who previously worked together on Ron Roberts’ staff at Southeastern Louisiana from 2012-13 and again at UTSA when Golding served as defensive coordinator in 2016-17. Despite the title change, sources told ESPN that Golding is expected to continue calling defensive plays in 2026, as he has during Ole Miss’ surprising CFP surge. Bryan Brown will remain in his role as co-defensive coordinator.
Toney brings recent NFL experience to Oxford, having spent the past three seasons with Arizona. The Cardinals finished ninth in the NFL in pass defense this season, allowing 230.8 yards per game. Before his NFL stint, Toney was defensive coordinator for Billy Napier at Louisiana in 2020-21 and at Florida in 2022.
More: Ole Miss keeps OC, RBs coach for Fiesta Bowl as Lane Kiffin pulls back
The hire gives Ole Miss continuity on the defensive side as much of the offensive staff departs to join former coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. The Rebels’ defensive unit has largely stayed intact under Golding.
No. 6 Ole Miss faces No. 10 Miami on Jan. 8 at State Farm Stadium. A win would send the Rebels to the national championship game on Jan. 19.
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