Could Joe Judge Step into the Spotlight as Ole Miss’s Interim Head Coach? The Answer Might Surprise You.
The college football world is buzzing with speculation as reports suggest that if Lane Kiffin departs, Joe Judge is the “likely” candidate to take the reins as Ole Miss’s interim head coach for the postseason. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Judge, a former protégé of Bill Belichick, has a résumé that’s both impressive and polarizing. While Belichick won’t be coaching in a bowl game this year, one of his former lieutenants might just find himself in the College Football Playoff spotlight.
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Judge, currently Ole Miss’s quarterbacks coach, would step into the interim role if Kiffin leaves. At 43, Judge brings a wealth of experience, having spent eight years under Belichick in New England before landing the Giants’ head-coaching job in 2020. However, his tenure in New York was short-lived and tumultuous, ending with a disappointing 10-23 record. And this is the part most people miss: Despite that setback, Judge returned to New England in 2022 as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach, later serving as assistant head coach during Belichick’s final year in 2023. This resilience and adaptability could be exactly what Ole Miss needs in a transitional period.
Judge’s journey to Ole Miss began in 2024 as a senior analyst under Kiffin, before taking over as quarterbacks coach this season. But the big question remains: Is he a viable candidate for the permanent head coaching role? Much of that will depend on how far he can lead the Rebels in the playoffs. Here’s the controversial part: While some see Judge as a strategic thinker with Belichick’s stamp of approval, others argue his Giants failure raises doubts about his ability to lead a program long-term. What do you think? Is Judge the right man for the job, or is Ole Miss better off looking elsewhere? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
