Ole Miss is navigating another defensive transition after newly appointed defensive coordinator Patrick Toney opted to leave Oxford to join the Atlanta Falcons as its defensive pass game coordinator, according to multiple reports. Toney, 35, had just joined the Rebels in January. The development reshapes Pete Golding’s immediate plans on defense, though Golding is expected to continue calling plays himself in 2026.
With staff movement already underway in Atlanta and recent changes in Oxford, both programs are adjusting quickly.
Patrick Toney Departs Shortly After Arrival, Falcons Continue Defensive Reset
Toney’s exit comes barely seven weeks after he was introduced as Ole Miss’s defensive coordinator. Hired on Jan. 7, one day before the Fiesta Bowl, he was brought in to oversee the unit after Golding took on expanded leadership responsibilities within the program. Instead, Toney is returning to the professional ranks, accepting a role as the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator.
Before arriving in Oxford, Toney spent three seasons, 2023-25, as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backs coach. He previously worked in Gainesville in 2022 as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach under Billy Napier after following Napier from Louisiana.
During four seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns, including the final two as coordinator, he built his résumé at the Group of Five level. Earlier stops included Southeastern Louisiana, Sam Houston State, and UTSA, where he crossed paths with Golding.
Atlanta’s defensive staff has been in flux. The franchise hired former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 17 as part of a broader coaching overhaul. The Falcons also dismissed assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis roughly two weeks after bringing him aboard.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lewis was let go after the organization learned of rape allegations tied to his time at Michigan.
“We are aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis,” the Falcons said in a statement earlier Friday. “We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”
The allegations were detailed publicly through social media posts by Justin Spiro, who cited accusations of violence against Lewis dating to 2024, his final year with Michigan before taking a position at Toledo.
Golding Set To Maintain Play-Calling Duties As Ole Miss Adjusts
While Toney heads to Atlanta, Golding’s role in Oxford remains steady. The first-year head coach, who previously coordinated the defense during Ole Miss’s College Football Playoff push, is expected to continue directing the scheme himself.
“I’m the defensive coordinator,” Golding said in December. “Nothing has changed on who’s calling plays.
“Obviously, the responsibility that I took in that room has changed, and obviously coach Bryan Brown will move up to control that room, which we’re super excited about. Has had a lot of success everywhere he’s been doing that.”
Bryan Brown, an Ole Miss alumnus, already serves as co-defensive coordinator and has operated alongside Golding. Brown’s resume includes a stint as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Cincinnati in 2023 and four seasons in a similar leadership role at Louisville from 2019-22. His expanded involvement gives the Rebels internal continuity despite Toney’s departure.
Should the program seek another formal defensive coordinator, Golding will lean on a staff that has undergone significant offseason adjustments. The turnover follows earlier changes stemming from Lane Kiffin’s exit and reflects a broader reorganization in Oxford.
For now, Ole Miss faces another reset on defense, while Atlanta adds a young assistant with college and NFL experience as it reshapes its staff.
