Nick Saban’s staff is going to see a major shakeup heading into 2023 after a disappointing finish (by Alabama standards) this fall.
On Friday, defensive coordinator Pete Golding left to take the same role on Lane Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss to replace Chris Partridge. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Chris Low.
Despite fielding a defense that ranked in the top 15 in yards allowed and top 10 in points allowed this fall, Golding decreased in popularity this season after Alabama allowed 52 points and 32 points in its losses to Tennessee and LSU, respectively.
Normally, news of a coach leaving for the same position at a division rival would be a cause for frustration, but among Crimson Tide fans on Friday, it seemed to be more of a cause for celebration, instead.
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
In fairness, this may be a move that works out for both sides, and there seems to be at least a segment of Ole Miss fans that are thrilled by the move.
Pete Golding is leaving #Alabama for #OleMiss and everyone seems to be happy! #RollTide #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/6LSAoYlDjR
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) January 13, 2023
Still, it’s not every day you see fans cheer the departure of a national title-winning DC. Here were the best reactions to Golding’s move.
Alabama fans rejoicing rn
— Clay (@Clays2299) January 13, 2023
LFG!!! pic.twitter.com/9z62IrV9e0
— Noah Clowney SZN (@18natties) January 13, 2023
AND THERE IT IS!!!! pic.twitter.com/kKL3N7mqZ4
— Terah (@milam_i) January 13, 2023
Roll Tide. Thank you @Lane_Kiffin
— Brian Pope (@PopeRollTide) January 13, 2023
— freddy (@FredColdY) January 13, 2023
YES THANK YOU!!!!!! Now we need Bill gone next!!! ROLL TIDE pic.twitter.com/WWHqwUEB2Z
— Tim Pass (@T_Pass06) January 13, 2023
All the Bama fans are celebrating and the Ole Miss fans acting like they pulled off some big coup 😂
— LCTurner (@LCTurner74) January 13, 2023
Oh I’m up!!!! pic.twitter.com/pEFdRbPTCx https://t.co/Zde5nqHX70
— king ike🤴🏾 (@kinggike) January 13, 2023
Now do BoB https://t.co/Kmnj656ukR
— thebeibz (@monkeybieb) January 13, 2023
He's Uncle Kiffin's problem now https://t.co/19yAl9OvLD
— Preston McAlhany 🐘 (@TheAudioParrot) January 13, 2023
If Alabama promotes Todd Grantham to DC I don't think I'll ever stop laughing
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) January 13, 2023
*Pete Golding leaves Alabama*
Me: pic.twitter.com/6FjPHHwD82
— Great Value Jack Black (@The_HunterLee) January 13, 2023
Saban getting Ole Miss to take Pete Golding off his hands is the kind of move that makes me think Alabama might really be back.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 13, 2023
Pete Golding gone?!?! Now Dallas Turner won't be dropped back into coverage on third and short pic.twitter.com/AUzzfJxWIz
— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) January 13, 2023
Pete Golding gone? pic.twitter.com/gmr6sf8AB2
— matthias (@matthias__meyer) January 13, 2023
Bama fans now that Pete Golding is finally gone pic.twitter.com/zZGWKUTPi9
— Justin Branum (@jbranum16) January 13, 2023
