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Alabama Football: 5 potential replacements for Pete Golding

By Dante Pryor

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defensive back Jordan Battle (9) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrate the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Jim Leonhard looks on during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
November 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Jim Leonhard looks on during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jim Leonhard, former defensive coordinator, Wisconsin

If Leonhard has any interest in this job, it is a no-brainer for Saban here. It was thought that Leonhard would have a run at Wisconsin, similar to Frank Solich at Wisconsin. Leonhard played at Wisconsin, and — after 10 years in the NFL — returned to the Badgers first as defensive backs coach and then defensive coordinator.

Former head coach Paul Chryst was fired early last season, and Leonhard had the most extended job interview in job interview history. The Badgers decided to fire Luke Fickell away from Cincinnati, and Leonhard is not returning to Madison. The former defensive back would be an ideal fit for the Crimson Tide.

The question about hiring Leonhard has nothing to do with his coaching ability. Wisconsin routinely had top-ten defenses during his time in Madison. Philosophically, he’d mesh well with Saban as they both prefer three-man fronts as the base for a multiple defense. The question for Leonhard would be his ability to recruit in the SEC.

Wisconsin does not recruit the same way Alabama does. The Crimson Tide wants the best players from high school and the portal. Wisconsin wants players they can develop. J.J. Watt and Zack Baun are prime examples of this fact. This could be a good hire if Leonhard is willing to be obsessive over recruiting.

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023. dark

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