Alabama football is in a familiar place, and it is good.
It appears the Crimson Tide will keep Bill O’Brien (offensive) and Pete Golding (defensive) as its coordinators for a second straight season. Alabama fans have thoughts about both, but O’Brien and Golding had some success in 2021. The Tide suffered inconsistent moments, but Nick Saban’s team advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
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He’s known for hitting the reset button on his coaching staff, but Saban also loves continuity within his assistants.
He returns Golding for a fifth season and O’Brien for a second year.
3/19/21 MFB Spring Practice 01
Bill O’Brien
Photo by Kent Gidley
3/19/21 MFB Spring Practice 01
Bill O’Brien
Photo by Kent Gidley
If Alabama’s offense can match its defense, it will be in the CFP title matchup again.
Coach Saban has witnessed national championships keeping an offensive and defensive coordinator for multiple years. Jim McElwain and Kirby Smart held the positions in 2008, but they delivered a national title in year two. Both won the first of back-to-back championships in 2011 as well. Lane Kiffin teamed up with Smart in 2014 and won a national title in 2015.
Steve Sarkisian and Golding paired up in 2019 and secured an undefeated national championship campaign in 2020.
Alabama has been dynamic when it keeps the same offensive and defensive coordinator for multiple years. Each pairing has earned a national title in year two together. O’Brien and Golding can continue the success next season with this roster.
O’Brien looks to implement more in his offensive strategy, while Golding must fine-tune some defensive aspects.
Both can push the Tide back to the CFP title stage.
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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.
