Pete Golding has been Alabama’s defensive coordinator for the past 5 seasons. As of right now, Golding plans to be back for a sixth year in Tuscaloosa.

Golding was among the members of the Crimson Tide who met with the media Thursday ahead of UA’s Sugar Bowl clash with No. 9 Kansas State. The last question Golding answered was if he expected to be back on Nick Saban’s staff next season.

“I’m still under contract, so absolutely,” Golding told reporters.

Golding, 38, has been in coaching since 2006, getting his start as a graduate assistant at Delta State, his alma mater. He joined the Alabama staff in 2018 as defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach.

Golding is often a target of fan criticism. During his press conference, Golding noted that he can improve as an assistant coach.

“Obviously, I try to be the best coach that I can, the best person that I can be,” Golding said. “I got into coaching to affect young men, and you can do that whether you’re a position coach, a coordinator or a head coach. I’m in no rush – I’ve said this before – to be a head coach. I think there’s a lot more to that. I love game-planning, I love being in the room with our guys.”

“Obviously, I’ve gotta do a better job of putting them in better positions, continue to coach them better so they can have a better product on the field. But right now, I’m just worried about K-State and getting through this walk-through tomorrow, to be honest with you.”

[H/T 247Sports]