During his Zoom press conference with reporters on Saturday, Mississippi head coach Pete Golding told reporters the decision of LSU-bound assistant coaches to work for the Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl is up to them.
Four Mississippi assistant coaches have signed contracts to join the staff of former Rebels' head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. Mark Schlabach of ESPN reported that sources told him that Mississippi is not sure they will have all four of the offensive assistants against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
Schlabach was told by one of his sources that some of the assistants have pushed back, leaving Mississippi on the precipice of a National Championship. Heather Dinich of ESPN quoted a source saying, "There are going to be some fireworks...We always knew this might be a possibility."
Golding is not concerned about the unstable coaching situation. Entering his third-ever game as a head coach, Golding was quoted as saying, "Our players know what to do...It's going to have no impact on the game. Keep blowing it up and making it a big deal, it'd be great.
"They have every opportunity like they have up to this point...to be able to make that decision. So, week in and week out, I don't dictate whether they do that or not because they're not employed by me up to this point. That is how it's been and that's my expectation."Mississippi head coach Pete Golding
Golding stated he did not know which assistants would be available to coach. Downplaying the situation, Golding responded by asking the reporter if they knew if they would show up to work tomorrow. Golding continued by saying they have enough people and will be fine.
Golding has had constant communication with Kiffin throughout the Mississippi College Football Playoff run. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is expected to coach in the Fiesta Bowl, per an ESPN report on Friday. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said on Saturday that the Mississippi coaching situation has no impact on their preparation.