The Master will be at it again. Typically when Nick Saban replaces a defensive coordinator it is because that guy became a head coach, not left for a division rival. Now, there certainly may be some underlying context to Pete Golding’s exit and Saban may have propped the back door open for him, but that doesn’t change the fact that one of college football’s top coordinator positions is open nor the fact that Alabama has to replace both coordinators in a hurry. Here are 5 names to look for in this search.
Jeremy Pruitt
Most Recently Defensive Assistant, New York Giants
A familiar name to many. Pruitt appears to be the front-runner, thanks in large part to his hugely successful resume as an assistant coach, winning 5 national titles along the way. Stops at Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia were preludes to his stint as Tennessee head coach, and that’s back when that place was dysfunctional. Pruitt checks all the boxes you’d want here. He’s been successful, recruits well, and has put players in the NFL, is a known commodity, has a relationship with Saban, and understands the college game. Will he ever be a head coach again? I think he probably will be, taking this job could ensure that.
Glenn Schumann
Co-DC /Inside Linebackers, Georgia
Another coach familiar with Nick Saban’s ways. He was a student assistant and graduate assistant for the Tide before going to UGA with Kirby Smart. Schumann has one-upped Pruitt with 6 national titles as an assistant, 4 with the Tide, and the last 2 with Georgia. Schumann has continually climbed the ladder and looks to get the chance to be a primary defensive play caller sometime soon. He also would fill the positional void left by Golding, as both men have coached ILBs recently.
Jim Leonhard
Interim Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, Wisconsin
Many people are surprised that Leonhard is still unemployed, but I am not. I did not think he would rush into a job and would wait for a great scenario, this is it. His best path to a P5 head coaching job is to take this job and dominate in it for a year. He did ok as Wisconsin interim, and his 5-3 record tells us it wasn’t as good as some people might claim, but he will absolutely be a home run hire here if he gets the job. We have heard rumors he could be headed to the Green Bay Packers, but I don’t go all sentimental for the “hometown kid does the good” schtick that some people do. This is a great match for Alabama and a better one for Leonhard.
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Derrick Ansley
Defensive Backs, Los Angeles Chargers
Another former Tide assistant on the list. Ansley coached DBs in Tuscaloosa before going to the Raiders. He then was Pruitt’s DC at Tennessee before heading back to the NFL. He may be a lesser-known name among these guys, but he’s another one who checks all the boxes. College and NFL experience, proven recruiter, and a relationship with Saban. Those three attributes mean a lot in the football world and Ansley could be in play here.
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Jimmy Lake
Former Head Coach, Washington
Lake had a forgettable time as head coach of the Huskies. They fell off fast after the success of Chris Petersen and have since been rejuvenated under Kalen DeBoer. He struggled as the head man but he was outstanding as a DC, so much so that he was rumored for NFL jobs before becoming head coach. He has sent multiple DBs to the NFL, has played against any kind of offense you can imagine, and his defenses always seem to be prepared. He spent 2022 out of football, as did Pruitt, but Lake won’t be out much longer.
