Through criticism, Pete Golding remains focused on sustaining Alabama defense success

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DALLAS – Criticism is something that is expected of coaches at all levels of college football. Whether a head coach or an assistant, most are susceptible to criticism not only by the fans but also by the media.

Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding has plenty of experience with criticism during his four years at Tuscaloosa. Whether justified or unwarranted, Crimson Tide’s defense under his leadership has come under scrutiny on several occasions.

On Monday afternoon, in his second media encounter this season, Golding took the opportunity to explain exactly how he handles this criticism.

“Well, their name isn’t on my paycheck, so I really don’t listen to them,” laughed Golding. “Obviously my old man was a high school coach growing up, so I think that’s something I learned at a young age from my mom. She was like, ‘Look, some people are going to like your dad, from others will hate your father. So he’s still your father. You will always love your father. But you know, I don’t listen to outside noise, to be honest with you.

“You know, I think if you’re a soccer coach and you do that, I think you come out of that profession pretty quickly. You will start selling insurance and playing golf. There is no more. big criticism against me than I. Obviously, coach [Nick] Saban does a great job and stays on top of us to make sure we’re doing things right. “

For the 2021 season, Alabama is ranked No. 8 in the nation in total defense, allowing an average of 306.1 yards per game. The Crimson Tide allowed an average of 4.73 yards per game, a number that might shock fans given the team’s 12-1 record.

While the defense struggled early in the season, the past month has shown dramatic improvement. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama limited Auburn to just 159 total yards in four overtime. Despite the criticism Golding has faced this season, his defense has produced results in the second half of the season.

External criticism of coaches is something that could naturally affect the mentality of players on a team. However, Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Harris said Thursday he and his teammates are avoiding those outside voices.

“I really don’t care about the external factors – you know, the outside noise – whether they criticize it or not or us or not,” Harris said. “I know that at the end of the day Pete is a great coach and I trust him. I mean, I came here without ever playing in this position before and throughout those three years he has done really well. to develop and still do, even to this day, so he’s a great coach and I really appreciate what he does for us.

The Alabama No.1 is now preparing for his match against No.4 Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl, his college football playoff semifinal game. Despite all the criticism, Golding contributed to the team’s third CFP semi-final since arriving at Tuscaloosa.

Golding chooses to ignore the criticisms leveled at him and simply focuses on his task at hand: leading his team to another national title.

“I don’t get caught up in the game,” Golding said. “I’m not a big media guy and stuff like that. I try to work my butt and put our kids in the best possible position to be successful and I try to train them throughout the week. “

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