A new requirement is becoming noticed for assistant coaches at Alabama.
With the exception of Steve Sarkisian, coordinators on Nick Saban’s staff for the Crimson Tide earn a true introduction to the program upon receiving a butt chewing from Saban. Names such as Kirby Smart, Jeremy Pruitt and Lane Kiffin got the business from their boss, and all of them became better for it. When it comes to Pete Golding, it was only a matter of time before the defensive coordinator would receive his moment from Saban on a big stage.
Despite the 69-year-old head coach scolding him versus Ole Miss in the regular season, Golding had the Tide defense playing much better through a seven-game stretch.
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Alabama’s success got tested against Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game, and its defense allowed 46 points.
Regardless of the Tide winning the matchup, there was a moment where Saban bent down and lit up Golding on the sideline.
While some of it was caught on camera, the better parts of it were not. All the great coaches received a chewing from Saban and Golding is certainly not immune to it. Since getting the position of head defensive coordinator in 2019, Golding has provided insightful answers to the media during interviews. On Monday, the 36-year-old explained what happened in his infamous chewing at his presser for the Rose Bowl. His response to reporters was that getting chewed out is ‘part of the job.’
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“Obviously, I think when you invest as much Coach Saban invests into this program and into football and things like that, when something doesn’t get executed, doesn’t go the way it is supposed to go, you’re frustrated,” Golding said. “Like we all are. It’s no different.”
Although he started his answer with a laugh, Golding knows how serious Alabama football is about perfection.
“That’s in any job, any boss, obviously, when you don’t get the result you’re expecting that you should get, obviously that’s going to come down on whoever is responsible for that,” he said. “As it should be. So, I mean, that ain’t nothing new. Whether it’s my dad growing up, my mom, that’s expected. When something doesn’t go as it should, right, then obviously there’s consequences for it. I think it’s just kind of a motivation speech at that time. Let’s get them going, let’s roll.”
In reflecting back on the Ole Miss game, Golding said the Tide has a ‘come to Jesus’ moment on defense.
Prior to its showdown with the Gators, Alabama created 22 sacks and forced 15 turnovers.
It simplified some things defensively, and Golding had the group leading the SEC for scoring defense. The Tide still leads the conference in that category, allowing 19.5 points per game.
One thing Golding has done successfully is getting freshmen to play at a high level.
The duo of Malachi Moore and William Anderson have been remarkable. Both are in the top-10 for total tackles on the roster and both lead the defense in different statistical areas.
Moore leads the Tide in interceptions (three), while Anderson leads the SEC in sacks (seven).
Both players were named to the SEC’s All-Freshman team.
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Golding and the Tide must shut down Notre Dame’s rushing attack.
Whether it was Brian Kelly (head coach), Tommy Rees (offensive coordinator) or the players, the Fighting Irish believe it will be able to run the ball. If Alabama has sound gap control on Friday and forces Notre Dame to be one-dimensional, Ian Book will be out of his element at quarterback.
This is a different Irish team than the one Alabama faced in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game; however, the contest will be fun to watch. Golding is set to assist the Tide to a national title.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
