Kevin Smith leaving Ole Miss, other staffers in question

Ole Miss Athletics

By Hunt Palmer

Kevin Smith’s time at Ole Miss is done.

The LSU running backs coach had remained with Ole Miss for the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff, but he will not go back to Oxford as the Rebels prepare for the semifinal game on Thursday against Miami.

Chase Parham of Rebels247 initially reported the news. LouisianaSports.net’s Matt Moscona confirmed it.

I’m told running backs coach Kevin Smith won’t return to Ole Miss for rest of playoff run. Charlie Weis is back in Oxford and it’s likely he’s the only one of the main LSU assistants to continue with Rebs in CFP.

— Chase Parham (@ChaseParham) January 3, 2026

Can confirm @ChaseParham report Smith will not return to Ole Miss.

Others hoping to join Weis in coaching remainder of CFP. https://t.co/DrvVjqt1vG

— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) January 3, 2026

Smith is considered an elite recruiter, and LSU is hosting transfer visitors all week.

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. has returned to Oxford where he’s expected to coach the semifinal game and the final should Ole Miss advance.

Wide receivers coach George McDonald, tight ends coach Joe Cox, quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens and slot receivers coach Sawyer Jordan were all at LSU on Saturday.

Asked about those coaches and their plans this week, Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding offered little clarity.

“They have every opportunity like they have up to this point to be able to make that decision,” he said. “So, week in and week out, I don’t dictate whether they do that or not because they’re not employed by me.”