Oxford, Mississippi, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Pete Golding, the defensive coordinator for Ole Miss football, has signed a new three-year contract that raises his salary to $2.55 million for the upcoming season. This increase positions him as one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the nation, closely trailing only Penn State’s Jim Knowles. The contract includes performance-based incentives totaling up to $200,000, following Ole Miss’s standout defensive season where they ranked No. 2 in the country for scoring defense. Golding will need to lead a restructured defense following significant player losses to the NFL Draft.
Oxford, Mississippi – Ole Miss football defensive coordinator Pete Golding has secured a pay raise, bringing his annual salary to $2.55 million for the 2025-26 season following a new three-year contract signed on February 25, 2025. This increase positions Golding among the top earners among assistant coaches in the nation, likely making him the second-highest paid overall and the highest-paid assistant within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The only assistant coach currently earning more than Golding is Penn State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, whose reported three-year deal nets him $3.1 million annually. Golding’s pay surpasses that of notable counterparts, including Michigan’s Wink Martindale, LSU’s Blake Baker, and Ohio State’s Matt Patricia, each slated to earn $2.5 million this year. Utah’s Morgan Scalley, meanwhile, is set to accrue a base pay of $2.1 million accompanied by a one-time retention bonus of $500,000.
Prior to this significant raise, Golding’s earnings were pegged at $2.25 million under his previous contract. The pay increase comes in the wake of Ole Miss’s impressive performance on the field, where the team enjoyed one of the most formidable defensive seasons in its history. Last year, Ole Miss achieved the status of having the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, allowing an average of just 14.38 points per game, trailing only Ohio State, which led with 12.88 points per game.
Golding’s new contract also includes potential incentives that could total up to $200,000. These incentives are structured to reward the team’s successes, including $50,000 if Ole Miss wins the SEC Championship Game and $150,000 if they secure the College Football Playoff Championship.
Heading into the 2025 season, Golding will lead a restructured defense following the significant loss of talent to the 2025 NFL Draft, which saw five players depart. The standout picks included defensive lineman Walter Nolen, who was selected No. 16 overall, alongside cornerback Trey Amos in the second round, edge rusher Princely Umanmielen in the third round, linebacker Chris Paul in the fifth round, and defensive lineman JJ Pegues in the sixth round.
Looking ahead, Golding’s compensation is set to increase further to $2.6 million starting February 1, 2026, and to $2.7 million from February 1, 2027, to January 31, 2028, under the terms of his new contract.
Key Details of Pete Golding’s Contract
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary (2025-26) | $2.55 million |
| Ranking among Assistants | Second-highest in the nation, highest in SEC |
| Contract Duration | Three years |
| Potential Incentives | Up to $200,000 |
| Notable Draft Picks Lost | Five players, including Walter Nolen (No. 16 overall) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pete Golding’s new salary for the 2025-26 season?
Golding’s new salary is $2.55 million.
How does Golding’s salary compare to other assistant coaches?
He is among the highest-paid assistants in the nation, second only to Penn State’s Jim Knowles, who earns $3.1 million.
What incentives are included in Golding’s contract?
The contract includes incentives that could total up to $200,000 based on team performance.
What defensive record did Ole Miss achieve under Golding?
Ole Miss finished the previous season with the No. 2 scoring defense in the nation, allowing 14.38 points per game.
How many players did Ole Miss lose in the NFL Draft?
Five defensive players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Football Inks Assistant Coach
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Football
- Clarion Ledger: Pete Golding Salary as Defensive Coordinator
- Google Search: Ole Miss Football
- Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss Football Staff Changes
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss Football News
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Rankings in Coaches Poll
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Sports Illustrated: Lane Kiffin Among Highest-Paid Coaches
- Google News: Lane Kiffin Ole Miss
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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