Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s three-year, $7.85 million contract extension makes him one of the highest-paid assistants in college football.With an average annual value of $2.616 million, he becomes the highest-paid assistant coach in the Southeastern Conference, On3 Sports reported Thursday.ESPN reported Friday that Golding’s salary ranks fourth nationally among defensive coordinators after Penn State’s Jim Knowles ($3.1 million), Auburn’s DJ Durkin ($2.7 million) and Southern California’s D’Anton Lynn ($2.65 million).Golding will earn $2.55 million in 2025, $2.6 million in 2026 and $2.7 million in 2027. The deal includes incentives such as an additional $50,000 if the Rebels win the SEC championship game and $150,000 if they win the College Football Playoff national championship.Golding, 41, orchestrated a defense that allowed an SEC-low 14.4 points per game during a 10-3 season in 2024. Ole Miss held nine of 13 opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards, finishing second nationally in rushing defense (80.5 yards).
