Ole Miss is on the verge of finalizing a significant coaching move, bringing back John David Baker as the team’s offensive coordinator. Baker, currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at East Carolina University, is set to return to the Rebels’ sideline following the departure of Ty Howle, who has accepted the offensive coordinator position at Virginia Tech.
John David Baker’s connection to Ole Miss is well-established. He spent three productive years (2021-2023) under head coach Lane Kiffin, serving initially as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach before being promoted to co-offensive coordinator. His experience at Ole Miss helped shape a dynamic offense during his tenure, gaining recognition for his offensive acumen and player development skills.
Baker’s coaching journey began at Abilene Christian University, where he was also a standout quarterback from 2009 to 2013. He launched his coaching career there in 2014 before moving on to staff positions at North Texas and USC, eventually joining Ole Miss in 2021. His background as a former quarterback deeply informs his approach to managing offenses and mentoring signal-callers.
The timing of Baker’s return comes amid some uncertainty and transition within the Ole Miss coaching staff, following Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU and the recent departure of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Despite these changes, Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding has emphasized stability and commitment to the players during this period. Weis remains set to call plays for the Rebels during the current College Football Playoff run, underscoring the Rebels’ focus on continuity until the coaching adjustments are cemented.
Bringing Baker back to Ole Miss signals a reunion between the offensive minds that contributed to the Rebels’ recent successes. His familiarity with the Rebel program and an existing rapport with players and staff make him a natural fit to lead the offense into the next chapter. As Ole Miss prepares to compete on college football’s biggest stage, the return of John David Baker as offensive coordinator promises both continuity and excitement for Rebels fans eager to see their team’s offense evolve under a proven leader.
