Coaching Situation for Ole Miss Clarified Ahead of Playoff Semifinals

The uncertainty surrounding No. 6 Ole Miss’s coaching staff in the upcoming playoffs has been addressed, at least for the semifinals. LSU has granted offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. the ability to continue coaching with the Rebels as they prepare to face No. 10 Miami in Thursday’s College Football Playoff match.

Additionally, running backs coach Kevin Smith will also stick around at Ole Miss. This news was reported by ESPN.

After Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU, several significant coaches from Ole Miss, including Weis and others like tight ends coach Joe Cox and wide receivers coach George McDonald, have reached agreements with LSU. However, it’s noteworthy that Cox and McDonald are not expected to coach for Ole Miss this Thursday.

New Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding expressed some uncertainty about which coaches will be available for the upcoming game, remarking, “They have every opportunity to make a decision, as they always have.” He acknowledged that it’s essentially up to the coaches, who are not currently under his employment, to decide their availability.

Interestingly, Ole Miss had barred Kiffin from finishing up the season with the team, even as LSU offered to cover his College Football Playoff bonus. LSU is reportedly eyeing three key players—quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kiwan Lacy, and kicker Lucas Carneiro—all of whom have decided to remain with the Rebels.

The Rebels recently showcased impressive performances, defeating Tulane in the opening playoff round and overcoming No. 3 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The victor of the showdown between Ole Miss and Miami will advance to play either No. 1 Indiana or No. 5 Georgia for the national title.