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It’s been two down years for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. And, by that, I mean they’ve only gone 25-4 and haven’t won a national title in the past two seasons.
That is not up to the standards that have been set by the greatest coach of all time in Tuscaloosa. After all, he’s won six national titles in T-Town, and has played for two more.
But, the team has not been up to par the last two years, and a lot of that is because of a less-than-stellar defense. In 2022, they finished outside the top ten in total defense, at number 13. But, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Saban’s defense gave up an astounding 84 points in their two losses to LSU and Tennessee. That’s not good enough, and defensive coordinator Pete Golding has been the subject of much ire from Alabama fans.
And, SEC rival Georgia has appeared to taken Alabama’s spot at the top of the college football world. They beat the Tide for the title two years ago, and they demolished TCU, 65-7, on Monday night
Saban had to do something, and he’s apparently let Golding leave Alabama for a division rival.
Pete Golding is leaving @AlabamaFTBL to replace Chris Partridge as defensive coordinator at @OleMissFB, sources tell ESPN. Golding has been with Nick Saban at Alabama since 2018, the last four seasons as defensive coordinator.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 13, 2023
This is classic Nick. Have a problem? Give it to one of his former assistants in Lane Kiffin.
Now, the question is who will Saban hire to replace him. Names like Jim Leonhard and Jeremy Pruitt are two of the most prominent names being thrown out. I guarantee that the GOAT will swing big.