Alabama names Steve Sarkisian offensive coordinator
The USC pipeline to Alabama will continue next season, as Nick Saban will hire former Trojans head coach Steve Sarkisian to replace Lane Kiffin as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator.
"We are pleased to be able to hire an offensive coordinator with the pedigree and the experience of Steve Sarkisian," Saban said in a statement. "He has a tremendous offensive mind and is someone we believe will do a great job of teaching and developing our football team on the offensive side of the ball."
Sarkisian joined the Alabama staff as an offensive analyst during the 2016 season, and many viewed that as a safety plan should Kiffin leave for a head coaching position following the season.
"I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to join Coach Saban's staff, and I can't thank the University of Alabama enough," Sarkisian said. "I have always admired the Alabama program from afar, and getting to be part of this football team these past few months has only reinforced my belief that this is the best college football organization in the country."
Kiffin was announced as FAU's new frontman last week, and Saban wasted little time in appointing Sarkisian as his replacement.
The decision marks the second straight fired USC coach to become Alabama offensive coordinator, after Saban hired Kiffin following his dismissal during the 2013 season.
Sarkisian left his position as head coach at Washington to replace Kiffin as the permanent head coach for USC in 2014, and guided the program to a 9-4 record in his first season. Unfortunately for Sarkisian, things would unravel in his second year with the Trojans, as he was fired due to numerous alcohol-related incidents that occurred during the season.
The former BYU quarterback has had great success as both an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, serving as an assistant for USC and the Oakland Raiders from 2001-2008.
While Sarkisian is known as a great coach for young quarterbacks, his teams have also produced a 1000-yard rusher in every season he was head coach.
His appointmen should help star freshman Jalen Hurts develop, as Sarkisian and Kiffin operate similar offensive systems.