Hour 1: Which NFL Teams are For Real or Fugazi, Week 3 ‘Higher Register,’ plus Ole Miss HC Pete Golding

25:00Rich Eisen:It's been brutal. It's been brutal. Awful. The Cooper Rush of the Dallas Cowboys did not walk through the door in Atlanta last week or in Pittsburgh the week before. And Jack Strand wasn't the answer. Unless it was for Devin Lloyd's personal stat sheet. Right? I just feel. What do you feel, Rich? That Michael Penix Jr. tonight on Thursday Night Football to kick off week three. I kind of feel that Penix is going to straighten the Falcons out.

25:43Rich Eisen:Yep. I kind of feel like Michael Penix is going to go out there and he's going to find Pitts and he's going to find London and the Bijon game is going to be running and passing and catching because Penix is spinning it. I understand. You know, it didn't work out last year when he was healthy before he got hurt. but the year before, Falcons turn to him at the end of the season and say, all right, the floor's yours. Try and make the playoffs, and he almost did it. I kind of think Penix is going to straighten the Falcons. Straight up. When was the last time he got played for? And I'll be honest, I kind of can't believe TJ didn't do a that's-what-she-said joke.

26:29Rich Eisen:That's the biggest upset. Well, you know, after a while. Higher register. Brought to you by Sonos. Love the sound. Feel the system. Build your system at Sonos.com. I kind of like the over tonight. I'm just saying, man. I'm just saying. I kind of think Penix can do it. And if he doesn't, look out below. Look out below. Because if he's not the answer and it doesn't look any different, then what are they going to do turn to two at some point and say how's your back and hope that he's the answer and if not 2027 draft how would trinidad chambliss look in that system oh baby that's called a transition i could see old miss is checking in right now and hopefully pete golding is going to sit in that chair in short order trinidad chambliss just sounds like a star dude If I didn't know what he did, I'd be like, whatever this guy does, he's on top of the top.

27:33Rich Eisen:Sounds like a star, looks like a star, is a star, sir. I'm not just saying that because the coach of Ole Miss football just sat in the chair. Pleased to have on this program, everybody, fresh off of the win over LSU, getting set to take on Florida, I believe for the first time, Pete Golding is here on the Rich Eisen Show. Good to see you, Coach. How are you? I'm good, man. I appreciate you having me. What a pleasure meeting you. What a pleasure meeting you. Yeah, nice to meet you. Yeah, heard a lot of good things about you. I will take that and run with it. Before we do, I just got to jump in.

28:02Rich Eisen:So Nick Saban hires you in Alabama. What is that interview prior to the 2018 season like for you at that point of your career? So I was at the University of Texas, San Antonio at the time and actually had taken a job at Ole Miss. It was the year of the 10th assistant that actually didn't start until January. So Matt Luke was the head coach here and interviewed with him in early December. And then about two days later, I got a call from Ed Manowitz out of Alabama. I was like, hey, Coach, you know, wants to interview. You know, Pruitt, our D.C., is taking a Tennessee job. You know, nobody knows that yet, so we're going to send a plane out on Sunday.

28:40So I landed in Tuscaloosa about 1230 that Sunday. I got to the facility right at 1. I met with Coach Saban in his office, first time I've ever met him. Didn't know really anybody in the building. And his office is connected to the staff room, which I was not aware of. So he's like, hey, come on, we'll start the interview. So I walk in behind him and there's 35 people sitting in this room like, holy. And so he's like, I had a jacket on that I borrowed from our safety coach. And like, I took the jacket off and he's like, all right, hop up on the whiteboard and just started going through and giving me, you know, offensive formations and plays.

29:14And, you know, what in your package, how do you defend them? A lot of it was plus one run game, you know, quarterback run game and GT and all those type of things. And about halfway through it, I kind of figured out, man, this is Clemson's offense. and so and three weeks from then they were playing clemson in the sugar bowl uh in the semifinal game so uh you know i think he was kind of just picking my brain but i was on the white board from probably about 110 until he had a dance recital for his granddaughter at seven and about 655 he's like look coach you're not gonna believe this but i gotta run um miss terry's gonna divorce me if i don't hit this uh dance recital so uh these other guys will take over so coach left about 655 and they turned our utsa tape on with everybody else in the room and went through a couple games with those guys.

29:56And then Tosh Lupoi was the coordinator at the time, our interim at that point. And we went to dinner, and Coach called him while we were at dinner. He's like, hey, bring him by. And so we went to Coach Saban's house about 9.15 that night, and Miss Terry opened the door and pulled me in. She's like, hey, you want a beer? I'm like, sure. I was drinking a Cole Miller Lite on Saban's couch. Didn't realize that he didn't drink at the time. And he's like, hey, let's go upstairs. They got a little pool room upstairs. and we went up there and he's like, look, man, you did a great job and we want to hire you.

30:26I'm like, well, I'm all in. He's like, do you want to know what position you coach? I'm like, Coach, man, I'm good. He's like, you want to know what you made? Coach, I'm good, man. And so that's how it happened, man. So, you know, made the call back to my family at that point. And like, look, you know, put Oxford on hold. We're going to Tuscaloosa.

30:41Rich Eisen:What a day in the life, Pete Golding. Seriously, because in all honesty, it reminds me of when I got hired by ESPN in 1996 I came from um a small market tv station in Redding California and there were more people in the newsroom when I walked in at ESPN then there was the entire operation in Redding and that sounds like what in that you walk into Saban's office he takes you into some spot and there's more people there I'd imagine on the in the staff room than you know UTSA right Probably UTSA, Southern Miss, and Southeastern combined. And it's Nick Saban who's walking you around, man. It's probably tough to keep your head about you.

31:26Rich Eisen:And then on that team, Pat Sertan, right? Sertan was in the secondary. Hurts being a quarterback, and that was after Tua replaced him in the national championship game. Do you have any memories of Hurts walking around and going through? obviously that's not your side of the ball at all but you know him having to go through what he's going through and then he's called upon later that year to to get in the big game yeah so i actually when i joined them that first of december that first week of december that was going into that semi-final game in the shiver bowl versus clemson where hurts was still the starting quarterback and so he started that game and then the next game was the national championship game you know in the georgia dome where we were playing georgia and so i was in the halftime deal when you know they made the change from Jalen to Tua.

32:16But I was so impressed with Jalen and his preparation for Clemson and how our guys responded to him and how hard he worked and just an unbelievable dude that works his butt off and was really talented. But his demeanor the next year, you know, when I was with him, when now Tua is the starting quarterback at that point, to come into work every day the way he did with good energy, good attitude, good body language, prepare like he was still the starter, you know, even though he wasn't. And then, you know, that SEC championship game that year, you know, it was kind of a reverse role, you know, two would go down late and Jalen comes in and leads us back.

32:50And it was just an awesome story for a dude that, you know, that kept the good Lord first and was an unbelievable teammate and worked his butt off and couldn't be happier for, you know, how it's turned out for him. No doubt.

33:00Rich Eisen:No doubt. Pete Golding here on the Rich Eisen Show. What do I need to know about Trinidad Chambliss? I already don't. What do you got? I mean, you know, I mean, an elite competitor, as you know, has got the competitive character, you know, that you're looking for. I think he's quieter than people think, especially when he first got here, kind of had that D2 mindset on the come in here and work extremely hard and just prepare for my opportunity. And people forget that those first two games of last year, he wasn't the starter. And so he came in very humble and worked extremely hard and then got his opportunity when Austin Simmons went down in that Kentucky game and didn't look back.

33:36But I think his attention to detail and his focus, how close his relationship is with the Lord and how big that is for him. I think a lot of people don't realize the positive leadership that he has on our team just based on who he is and how he approaches his work is something I hope my two boys one day can be talked about the way that I talk about him. He's just a great dude that is a team-first guy. Yeah, he's super talented, but it's because he works his butt off. How old are your boys? My oldest one's 14. I got a middle one that's 11. I got a little girl that's 8.

34:08Rich Eisen:Okay, so you're in it. You're in the soup. You're in the thick, for sure. Yeah, very few players in college football make me, you know, jump off the couch or just say something on the couch quite like him. I mean, the throws, the way that he plays on the edge, literally, figuratively, is exciting. What is that like for you, a defensive-minded head coach? What is that like for you? That was a thing for me when he first came in because we're normally going one defense versus two offense, and he was a two at that point. So we would go on these scrimmages. I'm like, man, this dude is Houdini. I mean, like, you know, you think you got him caged up and the ability to extend plays, and, you know, you can't view him as just a plus-one athletic quarterback.

34:50He's got elite arm talent. He makes good decisions. So, you know, we saw it early here that the dude's wired the right way, made of the right things, and, you know, the play's just getting started when he decides to escape a little bit, And that's when everybody kind of is at the edge of their seat. But, you know, love his development as a quarterback. I think, you know, JDB and Joe have done a really good job with him and going through his progressions and checking us into the right protections and all that. So I really think he's elevated his game to the next level this year. How badly did you want to win the game last weekend?

35:18I want to win every game, man. I don't care what it is. No, no, no. I hate losing. I hate losing. We all put too much into this, you know, to go out there and not play well. I was really happy, to be honest with you, I said it after the game, for our administration, you know, from the top down, from Glenn Boyce, our chancellor, and Keith Carter, our AD. I think they caught a lot of flack through the whole situation. And they stayed strong to who they were and what they said the entire time. And, you know, for them to have a little closure and for it to work out, quote, unquote, you know, right now, the way that they saw it, I think was great for them.

35:51And I was really excited for our players. A lot of them had a lot of options to go a lot of different places. They stayed here based on what this place had done for them and kind of invested and bought into what we were talking about. And then for that to come to fruition for them in a big game was awesome to see.

36:06Rich Eisen:Now listen, I'm going to take another swing at this a different way. I'll take another swing at this a different way. Because again, the way that you were born into being the coach at Ole Miss, wild, whacked out. I mean, we could come up with so many different ways that you can't prepare. There's no preparation for it, right, until you live it and go through it. And then all of that stuff gets dredged up again after you've page turned and gotten everything settled the way that you do things. But for you to have a game like that against the guy you replaced, the guy who left, the guy who gave you an opportunity, let's be honest as well.

36:42Rich Eisen:That's an opportunity for you and for you to show the way that you are now the HC, not this guy on the screen. You are the HC now, and it's your program. And for you to actually win that game at home, that's got to be huge for you, quite frankly. No, I mean, it is, I think, beating any good team and any good football coach. And I put Kiff in that category, you know, and it was no different than playing Kirby in the Sugar Bowl, man. I mean, when you play good teams that are coached really well, you got to get them prepared and you got to make good decisions, but your players got to go out there and execute at a high level.

37:13So absolutely, I didn't look at it as the Super Bowl. I said that before, and that's the truth. I didn't look at it like he's my big brother and all that type of stuff. You know, I mean, I think it really helped me being in Alabama those five and a half years and playing a lot of big games. And you put your focus back to the attention to detail and the preparation and all that. But was there a feeling after the game that you were excited? You're damn right. I mean, like, so there's part of that, whether I'm playing Kiffin pickleball or football, I'm trying to whoop his ass. So, you know, there was that piece of it after it to where I was excited for our players and our administration, you know, and our staff put a lot into it.

37:45and for that reward we get to go play Florida in the swamp as a top 25 team so congratulations

37:50Rich Eisen:yeah I know exactly right um one last follow-up I'm mandated to ask do you really play Kiffin and Pickleball or is that just a phrase that was I think they did it wasn't like a 30 for 30 it was something ESPN or somebody was doing doing something on them that they went out there and me and his brother played him and his other guy and somehow that that didn't make the footage but I think there's a reason why got it um and if if I need to know about Sam Levitt's availability Do I ask you as well? Or that was just a one-shot thing? That was just a one-shot thing. He doesn't. He can't ask me because I'll be told wrong, I can assure you.

38:23I got you. That one was crazy too.

38:25Rich Eisen:Have you had any contact with Lane since that game at all? Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. I mean, he called a couple times on Sunday. I missed him. We talked the other night. So, you know, like I said, he's a good buddy of mine. And, you know, we definitely still talk. So no hard feelings there. I'm sure he's excited about next year. All right. I assume you saw Coach Sumrall's statement about the betting line in Las Vegas on this game. Did you see that soundbite, Coach? I have heard that there are a lot of drugs in Vegas. Is that that line? Yes, that is the one. How do you handle that portion of the next game here, Coach?

39:01Well, I mean, I think in anything, you know, history is the best indicator of the future. And that's what I've said several times this week. I mean, my last remembrance of going through the Swamp was in 2024 as number 14 in the country versus a 5-5 Florida team, not a 3-0 Florida team that was ranked in the top 25, and we didn't win the game. So we know how this league is. You know how this league is. If we read all the press clippings all week and we don't prepare really well and practice really well, it's going to be hard to win. And so we've got to go in there and take care of the football and tackle really well.

39:31I think this is one of the better Florida offenses that I've seen. I think Buster does an unbelievable job. I got a lot of respect for Sumrall and the toughness that his teams play with, and they always come prepared. So we know this is going to be a battle, and we're going to have to be at our best.

39:44Rich Eisen:Do you, at any moment in time this week, Coach Pete Golding, have a sort of speech where the general message is there's no banners hung here, no we beat Lane banners here? Like, is that something you're going to address with the team flat out? I mean, that was more last week, you know, to be honest with you, and that was even pregame. It was like, look, man, don't be surprised when you go out there and play the way that you should and the way that you're capable of what it looks like, but do it with class. I mean, that was the whole purpose. Once you start making one game bigger than another, right, whether you win it or how do you get them back up for the next one, and if you lose it, heaven forbid that, then now what does it look like?

40:22Is the season over? So, like, I just don't know. I don't treat things that way. And so it's a great opportunity for guys to go out and compete and increase their value. It's a great opportunity for us as a team to go 1-0 that week. and if you're not at your best in this league, you're going to get your ass beat. So I think that was much more last week than it was this week. I mean, we're all well aware. This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business. And, yeah, they're building statues right now, and I'll have four sales signs next week. I mean, we've got to be doing our stuff, and we've got to play really well and put a good product on tape.

40:49Rich Eisen:I think that's called rat poison, right? Am I mistaken? Yeah, I've heard that plenty. Yeah, yeah. So we can set our own trap. Traps are done by ourselves in our own building, not somebody else. I love it. I like that. I might use that one if you don't mind. And have you had a last one for you? Have you had a moment in your, you know, first now coming up full year in your role there, had a moment where you stopped yourself? Wow, I sound like Saban. I'm doing what Nick did. Have you had a moment like that at all? I mean, I think other people have brought it to my attention. Like the whole hand deal.

41:23Like I've never watched a press conference and like, hey, what does he do with his hands? It's just always like it just happens. I don't know. And like obviously, I think anytime you're around somebody that you respect that does a really good job. You know, there's two notebooks you're taking, the because of and spite of, and you want to make sure you continue to do the things, you know, that you won because of. So I was around the best one to ever do it, in my opinion. And so there's so many things that I learned from them while I was there that I knew, hey, if I was ever dumb enough to take one of these jobs, I'm going to make sure that I do that within the program, right, because I saw it firsthand at what it did for the young players and the student athletes, not only on the football field, but more importantly in life.

41:57So hopefully there's a lot of things that people are saying that. I think that's a good thing, not a bad thing. Okay. I hope you enjoyed D's questions.

42:06Rich Eisen:I like it. I like it. Every day is stretch, man. Every day is stretch. Somebody was getting got. Fantastic. Thanks for the time, and I hope first of many here on the program. Thank you. Appreciate you, Rich. Right back at you. That's Pete Golden, everybody. Ole Miss football head coach. See how I tried that D's right there. That was great. I really enjoyed chatting with him. It was fun. Big game this weekend. Big. Big game this weekend. All right, let's take a break. 844-204-RICH. Phone lines are lit. That makes my day. Nope. We'll take D's calls when we return on The Rich Eisen Show.

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44:45Rich Eisen:NMLS 696891. Wiz in Santa Monica. Wiz. I believe that's spelled without an H. Khalifa? You're on the Rich Ice Road. What's up, Wiz? I'm calling because I just have to tell you, the Monday take you did on Jalen Rose, the poised take, was without question the greatest five minutes of sports talk radio in the history of sports talk radio. I think you should clear the mantle, submit that for Emmy consideration, and put a big fat Emmy up on your mantle. How about that, Wiz? Thank you. I think you meant Jalen Hurts, not Jalen Rose. Jalen Hurts. Jalen Hurts, yes. Jalen Hurts also. and I just want to speak for a lot of America.

45:21Rich Eisen:We all want to come back as Cooper in our next life. So keep up the good work and love the show. Thanks, Wiz. Wow, that's very nice of you to say that. Black and yellow, black and yellow. You know what it is. I'm still getting a lot of blowback from Philadelphia saying, I will show you how happy I am about the Eagles winning these games. Yeah, exactly. Okay. That's great. You should be. I'm pleased to hear that. There are some that are just like, why are we having trouble beating the Titans? The Jets certainly didn't appear to have them, but we have them. Why is our quarterback throwing this interception?

45:59Rich Eisen:Why do we need our quarterback to make these great throws that he's making to win the game? That's all. It's just part and parcel of going about your business in Philadelphia. It just is. You could say the same thing about New York, same thing about Boston as well. You know what I mean? Same thing. I just feel like it's the oxygen that Philadelphia needs to operate in. That's all. Let's go to Sadler in Madison, Wisconsin. What's up, Sadler? Hey, Rich, how's it going? How are you? I am good. I'm good. I'm talking about the tonight's game with the Packers. Yep. What do you got?

47:13Rich Eisen:yeah i know he's going to be the starter tonight sadler and i don't know if you heard our higher register segment before um you know when you're on hold um the packers are definitely going to have um something to deal with that you know caroline didn't have to deal with and pittsburgh didn't have to deal with which is a kid who can spin it who's got a beautiful beautiful ball that he throws and is really accurate. And this is... I got two other things I want to mention. Well, I'm about to... I got a little beef to settle with Chris. Okay. Can you do it in like 10 seconds, Sadler? Because we're about to lose our radio audience.

47:53I just want to get you on my show. Okay. And you have a chance.

47:58Rich Eisen:I want to have you on my show. And also, the last thing before I get off, because I was wanting to...

48:09Rich Eisen:We're about to lose you, Sadler, unfortunately. We need season two of your SportsCenter show. Okay. Thank you. We actually had a meeting for it yesterday. And thank you for the call, Sadler. Again, we're about to lose our radio audience and chase Daniel on the other side. We're going to do it next year. We're going to do it next year. Nice. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. you can watch and listen to the rich eisen show live weekdays from noon to three eastern on espn radio disney plus and on the espn app the rich eisen show the podcast