Father of Alabama coordinator Pete Golding calls Paul Finebaum with dilemma

Skip Golding is “really proud” of his son, Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding. But when Golding takes the field for Alabama’s season opener against Miami on Saturday, the elder Golding will be facing an internal conflict. He grew up a Miami fan. 

He decided to call into The Paul Finebaum show to get some advice on how to handle the Top-15 battle between the Crimson Tide and the Hurricanes. 

“I’m a born and raised Miami Hurricanes fan,” Golding told Finebaum. “My brothers played there. But my baby boy’s the defensive coordinator at Alabama. It’s killing me wondering what to pack in my suitcase.” 

“I think you have to forget your loyalty,” Finebaum responded. “I think what your son does matters most because he’s got a bright future ahead of him, and if he does well, his future increases and improves by the hour.”

“I agree, I agree,” Golding answered. “I just wanted to call and get your advice. I’m pretty sure I’m going to wear Alabama stuff.” 

Skip Golding has been coaching football since 1979, and he is currently coaching at Varnado High School in Angie, Louisiana. Golding hopes his 37-year-old son learned a thing or two from his dad over the years. 

“He’s pretty level-headed,” Golding said. “He’s earned it. He’s handled it pretty good… I’m a high school coach and defensive coordinator in high school in Louisiana for 40 years. I like to think I helped him a little bit.”

Pete Golding was the Alabama linebackers coach in 2018 before taking over the defensive coordinator role in 2019.

Expect Alabama to reverse the trend of a struggling defense

“Struggling” at least by Alabama standards.

In 2018, the Alabama defense allowed 320 yards per game which was 16th in the country. That was the Tide’s worst defense since 2007. When Golding took over in 2019, his defense allowed 324 yards per game (20th). Last year, the number jumped again to 352 yards per game (32nd), although they did face an all-SEC schedule plus Notre Dame and Ohio State. 

Expect this year’s defense to best the last three seasons, as the Tide have eight returning starters. The linebacker corps led by Will Anderson and Christian Harris will be terrifyingly good, and defensive backs Josh Jobe and Jordan Battle will be top-notch in pass protection. In total, Anderson, Harris, Jobe and Battle recorded 252 tackles last season.