The Rebels welcome back their former recruiting coordinator after he spent just one season with their SEC rival in Baton Rouge
Ole Miss football is making waves off the field during its College Football Playoff run, bringing back a familiar face who spent just one season away from the program. The Rebels have hired Kelvin Bolden away from LSU, where he served as assistant general manager for the Tigers after joining their staff in July.
The Mississippi native previously worked at Ole Miss from 2022 to 2024 as coordinator of recruiting strategy, helping the program build strong relationships throughout the region. His return to Oxford marks a significant addition to Pete Golding’s staff as the Rebels continue their successful season.
Bolden’s brief departure to Baton Rouge came after he reunited with LSU general manager Austin Thomas, with whom he had worked during their time together at Ole Miss. Thomas initially brought Bolden to the Rebels in 2022 when he served as the program’s football chief of staff and sport administrator.
Building relationships across the Magnolia State
The Perkinston High School graduate has established himself as one of the Southeastern Conference’s premier relationship builders. In February, On3 Sports recognized him as one of college football’s off-field recruiting stars of the 2025 cycle, highlighting his impact on Ole Miss’s recruiting success.
During his previous tenure with the Rebels, Bolden played an instrumental role in the program signing On3’s No. 19 recruiting class. His ability to connect with prospects and their families throughout Mississippi and beyond made him an invaluable asset to the coaching staff.
Before joining Ole Miss as a staff member, Bolden played collegiately at Southern Miss following a stint at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. His playing career with the Golden Eagles saw him record 104 career receptions for 1,393 yards and 13 touchdowns in Hattiesburg, showcasing the athletic talent that would later translate into coaching success.
Career path through multiple SEC programs
Bolden’s journey through college football has taken him across several prominent programs. Before his initial arrival at Ole Miss, he worked at UCF as the wide receivers assistant coach and director of recruiting relations. His experience also includes time at Florida as assistant director of player personnel in 2021, following two years at Arkansas where he served as a graduate assistant.
The Ocean Springs native’s playing career earned him recognition beyond his on-field statistics. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College inducted him into their athletics hall of fame in 2020, followed by his induction into the Ocean Springs Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
Quick turnaround from Baton Rouge to Oxford
The timeline of Bolden’s movements highlights the fluid nature of college football staffing. After spending just months with the Tigers, he announced his return to Ole Miss through social media, expressing excitement about rejoining the program where he previously found success.
His departure from LSU comes as programs across the SEC continue shuffling their support staffs in pursuit of recruiting advantages. The hiring represents Ole Miss’s commitment to maintaining strong recruiting infrastructure even as the team competes in the playoff race.
Family ties and future impact
Bolden, son of Kelvin Sr. and Michelle Bolden and father to Kameron Bolden, brings more than just professional expertise back to Oxford. His deep roots in Mississippi and established relationships throughout the state position him to immediately contribute to the Rebels’ recruiting efforts.
As Ole Miss navigates its playoff journey, adding experienced personnel like Bolden strengthens the program’s foundation for sustained success. His familiarity with the Oxford program and proven track record in relationship building make him a valuable addition during this crucial period.
The move also highlights the competitive nature of SEC staffing, where programs continuously seek advantages in recruiting and player development. For Ole Miss, securing Bolden’s return represents both a personnel victory and a statement about the program’s appeal to top talent on and off the field.
