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Football
John Latina is in his sixth season as an assistant coach at Ole Miss and fifth year as offensive coordinator. Latina, who joined Coach David Cutcliffe's staff prior to the 1998 Independence Bowl as offensive line coach, took on the additional role of offensive coordinator prior to the 2000 season. He has continued his duties as the Rebels' offensive line coach.
Latina's 2003 offensive unit was one of the most prolific in school history as the Rebels set school records for points scored (442) and total offense (5,631). Ole Miss led the SEC in passing offense (286.0 ypg), scoring (34.0 ppg) and total offense (433.2), while also rating among the top-22 in the nation in all three categories.
The Rebels' offensive prowess in 2003 was recognized as senior quarterback Eli Manning earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Manning was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by San Diego, who then traded him to the New York Giants. In addition, senior wide receiver Chris Collins and junior offensive guard Doug Buckles earned first team All-SEC honors. Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by Cincinnati, while Collins and running back Ronald McClendon signed free-agent contracts, Collins with Tampa Bay and McClendon with Tennessee. Offensive tackle Cliff Woodruff signed a free-agent contract with Winnipeg of the CFL.
In two of his five seasons as offensive line coach, Ole Miss has led the SEC for the fewest sacks allowed. The Rebels yielded an SEC-low seven in 2000 and again led the SEC with 10 in 2001.
Latina has groomed some of the best offensive lineman to ever wear the Rebel uniform. Center Ben Claxton, an All-SEC performer, was a fifth-round selection of the Denver Broncos in the 2003 NFL Draft. During his first three years of working with the Rebel offensive line, Latina also helped develop tackle Terrence Metcalf into a near consensus first team All-America performer, as Metcalf became one of the most honored offensive linemen in Ole Miss history. Metcalf also earned the 2001 SEC Most Valuable Lineman award and was then selected in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
In 2000, despite injuries that forced the Rebels to use four different starting line-up combinations on the offensive line, and the loss of two tackles that were drafted by NFL teams, Ole Miss allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC with seven. Metcalf again earned first team All-SEC recognition.
Latina's first season saw three Rebels make All-SEC teams, including All-America selections for tackle Todd Wade and guard Metcalf, while center Ben Claxton also rated freshman All-America. Wade would become a second-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in the 2000 NFL Draft, and tackle Tutan Reyes was a fifth-round selection by New Orleans. In 2001, Keydrick Vincent (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Shane Grice (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) both signed NFL free agent contracts and made their respective teams.
Latina joined the Ole Miss staff in December of 1998 after serving as assistant coach for five years at Clemson, working as the offensive line and running game coach.
During his time with the Tigers, he coached six All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) first or second team offensive linemen. Clemson was among the ACC's top two rushing teams from 1995-97, and The Sporting News ranked Clemson's offensive line No. 3 in the nation.
A 1979 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, Latina lettered four years (1975-78) as an offensive lineman for the Hokies. Following graduation, Latina joined the Virginia Tech coaching staff and helped lead the Hokies to the 1981 Peach Bowl.
After spending one year (1982) as tight ends coach at Pittsburgh, Latina became the offensive line coach at Temple from 1983-88. While at Temple, Latina coached the offensive line that blocked for first team All-America running back Paul Palmer, who led the nation in rushing in 1986. Also while at Temple, Latina coached three players who were drafted by the NFL and four others who signed free agent contracts.
Latina joined the Kansas State staff in 1989 as the offensive line coach and running game coordinator. Latina coached five seasons (1989-93) with the Wildcats before joining the Clemson staff. While at Kansas State, he coached two players who were drafted by the NFL and five others who became free agent signees.
Latina is married to the former Michele Veltre of New Castle, Pa. The couple has two children, John (20) and Michael (17).
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