Overview
- Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said tight ends coach Joe Cox and receivers coach George McDonald will not coach in the Fiesta Bowl as they move to LSU, while OC Charlie Weis Jr. and RBs coach Kevin Smith remain on staff for the semifinal.
- Golding dismissed external narratives about Lane Kiffin and declared, “I’m replaceable, you’re replaceable,” adding that he has “no s— to say to anybody else” and that the team’s preparation is the message.
- Miami coach Mario Cristobal said opponents contacting players in the transfer portal for inside information “happens all the time,” blaming the “adults” for a system with loopholes as the Jan. 2–16 portal window overlaps the CFP.
- Golding noted LSU has 35 players in the portal as assistants balance playoff duties with roster-building, and reports indicate Kiffin and LSU are actively pursuing transfers during this period.
- Ole Miss has re-signed Kewan Lacy and tentatively brought back quarterback Trinidad Chambliss for 2026, with Chambliss’ return contingent on an NCAA eligibility waiver.