UTSA defensive coordinator Pete Golding hired by Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Texas at San Antonio defensive coordinator Pete Golding will join Alabama’s coaching staff next as an assistant coach, head coach Nick Saban announced during his Friday news conference.

"Technically we're hiring him as a 10th coach, which we can do, but he can't be activated as a coach on the field until January 9," Saban said. "We'll address the other staff issues when we get finished playing. I don't have time right now to do a search, get ready for this game and recruit, have an early signing date and try to hire coaches too. There's not enough time in the day."

No. 4 Alabama plays No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 as part of the College Football Playoff. If Alabama wins it will advance to the College Football National Championship Game on Jan. 8.

Earlier this month, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt accepted the head coaching job at Tennessee. Pruitt was not at practice as Alabama began preparations Friday for its game against Clemson, but Saban said the defensive coordinator will return Sunday during the dead period of recruiting.

"Certainly happy for the opportunity that he has," Saban said. "He's done a wonderful job for us and we'll do as much as we can to support him to be able to do what he needs to do here to help our players and our team. I appreciate what he's doing to show the graduate that he has for how the players work for him all year to help have the success to help him get the opportunity."

Even with Golding’s hiring, Alabama has an extra opening for an assistant after the NCAA approved a 10th on-the-field assistant coach for next season.

In Golding, Alabama brings in a young up-and-coming assistant who is well respected in coaching circles. According to FootballScoop.com, the Hammond, La., native was considered for the defensive coordinator position at Mississippi State earlier this month.

“I have always had an incredible admiration for The University of Alabama and the organization Coach Saban has built in Tuscaloosa,” Golding said in a release sent out by the university. “Words can’t express how excited I am to have the opportunity to work for Coach Saban – it just doesn’t get any better for a defensive coach. There is such a rich tradition of success around this program, and I look forward to contributing to that success moving forward.”

At UTSA Golding served as both the defensive coordinator and also coached defensive backs. Before joining the Roadrunners he coached safeties at Southern Miss from 2014-15. Golding also has previous experience as a defensive coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana from 2012-13, his alma mater Delta State from 2010-11 and Tusculum from 2008-09. He spent one season coaching defensive backs at Tusculum before taking the defensive coordinator position.

Golding began his coaching career at Delta State as a graduate assistant in 2006. He played safety for the Statesmen from 2002-05.

In his two seasons with UTSA, Golding has helped the Roadrunners to back-to-back six-win seasons, including its first-ever bowl game last year with an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. Over his 10-year career, he has coached six All-Americans, including NFL players in Robert Alford and Harlan Miller.