By Elijah Klepczyk
Emmerich Newspapers
OXFORD — The Ole Miss football team finished second nationally in total offense last season, averaging 489.7 yards per game during its historic 13–2 campaign. With former head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. now gone, new head coach Pete Golding has been making key decisions on how to replace those offensive minds.
Golding has hired John David Baker as the new offensive coordinator for the Rebs. Baker is no stranger to Oxford, having spent two seasons with Ole Miss as the tight-ends coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator in 2021-23.
Baker previously spent two seasons at East Carolina as offensive coordinator, where the Pirates ranked 15th nationally in offensive production, averaging 460.4 yards per game. He was also nominated for the Broyles Award in 2024 during his first season with ECU.
“From the very beginning he was plug and play,” Golding said of the new OC, adding that Baker’s previous experience with the program has allowed him to hit the ground running.
“I love what he is about,” Golding said. He added that Baker’s recruiting skill and the way he connects with players have been impressive early on.
Starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss also said he was happy with the new play caller. “It’s great to have someone that is elite with ball knowledge and also knows our offense,” Chambliss said of Baker.
Chambliss also mentioned the added advantage of Baker being familiar with the Ole Miss offensive style, and how it has added stability in implementing the new scheme over Fall Camp.
Running back Kewan Lacy said the offensive scheme hasn’t changed much since Baker’s arrival. “Not too much has changed,” Lacy said. The biggest difference he’s noticed is the personnel, noting that Baker has added some explosive pieces that could make the offense even more dangerous this season. “It’s going to be a good year,” Lacy said of the offense.
The Rebels will get an early look at where they stand on Sept. 6, heading to Nashville to take on Louisville in the Music City Kickoff.
