Kevin Steele opens up relationship with Nick Saban, why he returned to Alabama in 2023

When Pete Golding left Alabama after the 2022 season, Nick Saban found himself in need of a new defensive coordinator. The hiring process ultimately took him to a familiar face – one who worked for him twice during his storied tenure with the Crimson Tide.

Saban brought Kevin Steele back to Tuscaloosa for his third stint on staff. He initially joined forces with Saban in 2007 as his first defensive coordinator and returned in 2013 for another two-year stint. Although he was coming off his first season under Mario Cristobal at Miami, Steele said the opportunity to work with there was was one big factor in his decision to return to Alabama.

He was able to work with the greatest of all time again in what turned out to be his final season.

“Really, Coach Saban,” Steele said Thursday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “We’ve been friends for a long time, back in the mid ’80s. In my opinion – this is my opinion – I think he’s the best that’s ever done it.”

After Golding’s departure, Saban went through a list of candidates to replace him. Throughout the process, he confided in Steele considering their long relationship. In Steele’s eyes, though, Saban might have been looking for someone familiar with his scheme rather than bring in an outsider.

That paved the way for Steele to leave Miami after just one year and join forces with Saban once again.

“I think when Pete Golding left Alabama, there were some names,” Steele said. “In fact, I talked to Coach about them, and it just didn’t work out for whatever reason. I think he was in a situation where he didn’t want to re-train or bring somebody in that knew nothing about his defense. So he asked me to do it, and the rest is history.”

The reunion helped lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff and an SEC Championship victory over Georgia. The Crimson Tide ranked second in the SEC in total defense, holding teams to 316 yards per game, and in scoring defense with an average of 19 points allowed.

Then, after the season, the Crimson Tide underwent some major changes. It started with Kevin Steele’s decision to retire after a 40-year coaching career. But the big one came just days later when Saban shocked the college football world with his retirement announcement. That meant the 2023 season gave the two one final ride together as they wrapped up their respective careers.