About three years ago, it was revealed the first-year defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi— known for being a dynamic recruiter— had been relieved of actual in-game playcalling duties as Alabama’s 2018 defense struggled to find their footing.
Pete Golding had taken over partial control of the playcalling already, so filling Lupoi’s position as he left was an expected step up for the up-and-coming coach from the UTSA Road Runners.
Golding brought with him a schematic change for Alabama, adapting Nick Saban’s beloved base 3-4 to a more blitz-happy 3-3-5 that focused on using the nickel corner, or Star, as more of a safety than a 3rd cornerback.