Pete Golding is leaving his position at Alabama but he isn’t going far.

The Alabama defensive coordinator since 2018, Golding is leaving for the same job at Ole Miss, ESPN first reported. In Oxford, he will work under former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

This comes just weeks after Golding said he “absolutely” planned to be back at Alabama when asked about his status before the Sugar Bowl.

RELATED: The viral moment that’ll fuel Alabama’s offseason

Golding signed a three-year extension in early 2021 that left one season on his contract at Alabama. He’s been in Tuscaloosa since 2018 and was the defensive coordinator during the 2020 national title-winning season.

Back on Dec. 29, Golding was asked about his long-term plan for his coaching career.

“I don’t really get caught up in it,” Golding said, meeting with reporters for the first time since August. “Obviously I try to be the best coach that I can and the best person I can. I got into coaching to affect young men. You can do that whether you’re a position coach, coordinator or head coach.

“I’m in no rush — I’ve said this before — to be a head coach. There’s a lot more to that. I love game planning. I love being in the room with our guys. Obviously, I have to do a better job of putting them in a better position and continue to coach them better so they have a better product on the field. But, right now, I’m just worried about K-State and getting through this walk-through tomorrow.”

Back in mid-November, Saban praised Golding’s performance.

“I think Pete has done a really, really good job,” Saban said. “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 is the second of the 10 on-field Alabama assistant coaches to leave for a new job after defensive backs coach Charles Kelly accepted the defensive coordinator job at Colorado under Deion Sanders.

Questions also surround the status of Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. He just completed the second of a two-year contract with the Crimson Tide.

This post will be updated.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.