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Pete Golding plans to return to Alabama: 'I'm still under contract, so absolutely'

47377776_10156854436900775_2208546246019252224_nby:Clint Lamb•12/29/22•

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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS — Pete Golding has been the defensive coordinator at Alabama for four seasons now. Technically, we can probably consider it five seasons, as he reportedly took over that role back in 2018. That’s the second-longest stint — trailing only Kirby Smart — for any coordinator during the Nick Saban era.

The question is whether or not Golding and Alabama plan to make it a sixth season.

While speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon for the first time since the beginning of fall camp, Golding was asked point-blank about his plans for 2023. Does he expect to return to Tuscaloosa for yet another season under Saban? According to Golding, the answer is yes.

“I’m still under contract, so absolutely,” he told reporters.

It’s a fair point.

Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien will see his two-year contract come to an end after Saturday’s Sugar Bowl against Kansas State, so his return is a lot less likely. Granted, it’s still possible for the two parties to work out a new contract that keeps him in Tuscaloosa, but that’s far from a guarantee.

Golding, on the other hand, would have to find another job or be let go.

There are a lot of Alabama fans hoping the program has two new coordinators next season. Those fans are probably disappointed to learn that Golding fully expects to return, but that decision isn’t in his hands alone. Saban will obviously have the final say in who runs the defense.

Would the seven-time national championship-winning coach be willing to spend the entire offseason breaking in two new coordinators, a new quarterback and more? I guess we’ll find out soon enough, but for now, I’d expect Golding to be back roaming the sidelines in 2023.

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