Nick Saban opted to promote from within in filling Alabama's offensive coordinator opening and is expected to do the same at defensive coordinator.

Co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi is expected to be promoted to defensive coordinator and play-caller, according to sources.

Lupoi replaces Jeremy Pruitt, who left the Crimson Tide to become Tennessee's head coach. Lupoi has already told some of Alabama's recruiting targets that he'll be the defensive coordinator and play-caller.

Lupoi, who arrived in Tuscaloosa as a defensive analyst in 2014, has been the team's outside linebackers coach since 2015. The 36-year old California native had also been the Tide's co-defensive coordinator under Pruitt since 2016.

In addition, the expectation remains that Pete Golding will be co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach, per sources.

Golding is one of two new Bama defensive coaches with defensive coordinator experience, along with new defensive backs coach Karl Scott. It seems like part of the reason for Saban hiring Scott is that he liked the idea of adding another coach with defensive coordinator experience to help Lupoi.

Though Lupoi is respected as an outside linebackers coach and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation, this will be his first opportunity to be a defensive play-caller.

Prior to Alabama, Lupoi was the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator at Washington (2012-13) after four seasons as the defensive line coach at his alma mater, California.

Matt Zenitz is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter

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