Pete Goulding is reported to be leaving Alabama for Ole Miss

Pete Golding is leaving his post at Alabama but he’s not going away.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator since 2018, Goulding leaving for the same job at Ole Miss, ESPN first reported it. At Oxford, he will work under former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

This comes just weeks after Golding said “Absolutely” planning to return to Alabama When asked about his condition before the Sugar Bowl.

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Goulding signed a three-year extension in early 2021 that left one season on his Alabama contract. He’s been in Tuscaloosa since 2018 and was the defensive coordinator during the 2020 National Title winning season.

Back on December 29, Golding was asked about his long-term plan for his coaching career.

“I don’t really get involved,” Golding said, meeting with reporters for the first time since August. “Obviously I try to be the best coach I can be and the best person I can. I got coaching to influence young people. You can do that whether you’re a situational coach, coordinator or head coach.

“I’m in no rush – I’ve said this before – to be a head coach. There’s a lot of that. I love game planning. I love being in the room with our guys. Obviously I have to do a better job of putting them in a better position and keep coaching them.” better until they have a better product in the ballpark. But, for now, I’m just worried about K-State and getting through this round tomorrow.”

again in mid-November, Saban praised Golding’s performance.

“I think Pete did a really good job,” he said. Saban said. “He’s very smart. He talks really well with the players. He’s a good teacher. I think he’s a good motivator. I think the players respond well to him. He added some things that helped us improve.”

Goulding is the second of 10 Alabama on-field assistant coaches to leave for a new job after the defensive backs coach. Charles Kelly accepted the defensive coordinator job at Colorado under Deion Sanders.

Questions also surround the status of Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Just completed his second two-year contract with the Crimson Tide.

This post will be updated.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @employee or on Facebook.