Report: Ole Miss makes "strong push" to keep Joe Judge despite head coaching interest

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Ole Miss has made a “strong push” to keep Joe Judge in the program. The move ultimately worked as Howe reports Judge interviewed for the UMass head coaching job. On3’s Pete Nakos also pointed out that Judge was involved in the Temple search.

Ole Miss did not want to lose Judge and after consideration, the assistant coach decided to stay with the Rebels moving forward.

“Joe Judge interviewed for the UMass head coaching vacancy, per sources,” Howe said. “Lots of mutual interest. Ole Miss made a strong push to keep Judge, so he ultimately decided to pull out of consideration. Judge is the former Giants HC and long-time Patriots special teams coordinator.”

Judge started his coaching career in the college game but at Mississippi State. His playing days were spent in Starkville too but much to the horror of the Egg Bowl’s other side, Ole Miss colors will continue to be worn.

Birmingham-Southern and Alabama were two other college programs Judge worked for before the NFL came calling in 2012. Over a decade was spent there, mainly as the New England Patriots special teams coordinator. The New York Giants did hire him to be their head coach but the relationship only lasted two seasons.

Another stint in New England came before Lane Kiffin hired Judge to his staff. Judge has been in Oxford for one season with the official title of senior analyst.

“We are excited about the addition of Joe Judge to our staff,” Kiffin said when Judge was hired. “Joe brings a tremendous amount of experience that will provide a significant impact to both our coaching staff and our players. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our team.”

Ole Miss values Judge enough to where they made a push hard enough to keep him with the program. Some Group of Five head coaching gigs apparently did interest him but the Rebels are going to be able to retain the staffer.