OXFORD, MS – June 3, 2025 – The Ole Miss Rebels football program has made a monumental addition to its administrative staff, officially appointing former All-Pro and College Football Hall of Famer, Patrick Willis, as its new Assistant General Manager. The announcement, widely anticipated after weeks of speculation, signals a significant strategic move by Head Coach Lane Kiffin and Athletic Director Keith Carter to bolster the Rebels’ off-field operations with an infusion of legendary talent and a deep understanding of the modern game.
Willis, a name synonymous with defensive excellence and an Ole Miss legend, returns to his alma mater in a pivotal role. The Bruceton, Tennessee, native played for the Rebels from 2003 to 2006, where he established himself as one of the most decorated defensive players in program history, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker in 2006. His collegiate accolades paved the way for an illustrious eight-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time First-Team All-Pro. Willis was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
While Willis has maintained a relatively low profile since his unexpected retirement from the NFL in 2015, venturing into technology investment, his passion for football and his connection to Ole Miss have remained strong. This appointment marks his formal return to the collegiate athletic landscape, where his immense experience, leadership qualities, and intimate knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport will be invaluable.
In his role as Assistant General Manager, Willis is expected to work closely with current General Manager Billy Glasscock and Head Coach Lane Kiffin, contributing to various facets of the program’s operations. This will likely include a significant focus on player personnel, encompassing recruiting, player development, and potentially navigating the complexities of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. His ability to connect with young athletes, share insights from his own remarkable journey, and mentor them on and off the field will be a tremendous asset for the Rebels.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patrick Willis back home to Ole Miss in this crucial role,” stated Coach Lane Kiffin in a press conference held this morning. “Patrick embodies everything we want our program to be about – fierce competitiveness, unwavering dedication, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. His experience as a player at the highest levels, both in college and the NFL, combined with his leadership and character, will be an invaluable resource for our entire team, from our coaching staff to our student-athletes. This is a game-changer for Ole Miss football.”
Athletic Director Keith Carter echoed Kiffin’s sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of Willis’s hire. “Bringing someone of Patrick Willis’s caliber back to Ole Miss speaks volumes about the trajectory of our football program,” Carter remarked. “He understands the tradition and expectations here, and he has a proven track record of success that few can match. His presence will undoubtedly elevate our recruiting efforts and provide a unique mentorship opportunity for our players. This is a major step forward as we continue to build a championship-contending program.”
Willis himself expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “Ole Miss holds a special place in my heart, and it’s an honor to be back in an official capacity,” Willis said. “I’m eager to contribute to the success of this program and help guide the next generation of Rebels. My goal is to leverage my experiences to help these young men not just on the field, but in all aspects of their lives. I believe in Coach Kiffin’s vision, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
The appointment of Patrick Willis as Assistant General Manager is more than just a high-profile hire; it’s a statement. It signifies Ole Miss’s commitment to investing in its football program at every level, drawing on the wisdom and experience of its most revered alumni. As the Rebels continue to build on recent successes, the addition of a legend like Willis to the management team is expected to provide a significant boost, inspiring players and fans alike as they look towards a future of continued growth and achievement in the competitive SEC.
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