Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered plenty of praise for his defensive coordinator on Wednesday. Pete Golding is in his 5th season in the role.

Saban was effusive in his admiration for what Golding is doing with his current Alabama defense.

Saban commends Golding for his ability to simultaneously relate to the players and command their respect.

“I think Pete has done a really, really good job,” Saban said via AL.com. “He’s very bright. He articulates well with the players. He’s a good teacher. I think he’s a good motivator. I think players respond well to him. He’s added some things that has helped us get better.”

Golding was selected on Tuesday as 1 of 51 nominees for the Broyles Award, annually given to the nation’s top assistant coach. The Football Writers Association of America, broadcasters, a college football hall-of-fame selection committee, and current college head coaches will decide the winner of the award.

The Alabama defense ranks 16th nationally in yards per game allowed (313.0) and 15th in the country in points per game (18.9).

Next up for Alabama is a home matchup vs. Austin Peay on Saturday (12 p.m. ET).