Kiffin out, Sarkisian in as Alabama OC for national championship game

Lane Kiffin's time at Alabama was going to end after the national championship game next Monday, but Nick Saban felt that wasn't soon enough.

Alabama's head coach announced Monday on ESPN College GameDay that Kiffin has been relieved of his offensive coordinator duties prior to facing Clemson for the national title. Saban confirmed that Kiffin's early departure was a mutual decision.

"Well, we recognize that this is a very difficult circumstance in terms of the sort of distractions you have," Saban said.

"I've been through it myself when I was with the Cleveland Browns, taking the Michigan State job. I think it's a really tough management. We just thought it was in the best interest of our players, our program, and for Lane, to assume his responsibilities as the head coach at Florida Atlantic."

Offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian will assume Kiffin's role - effective immediately - after being hired as somewhat of an heir apparent in September.

Saban also confirmed that Alabama's offensive struggles during Saturday's Peach Bowl against Washington was a deciding factor in his decision to bring Sarkisian aboard for the national championship game.

"Whether it was the preparation, the practice, being able to focus on what we needed to do for our team relative to the distractions that occur when you're trying to hire a staff, and recruit (at) another place. All these types of things," Saban said. "And you know, hey, Lane did the best he could. It's a difficult circumstance. We certainly wish him well."

Related: No happy memories for Kiffin at Alabama, just 'ass chewings'

While Alabama's Peach Bowl performance may have been the catalyst, sources told ESPN's Brett McMurphy that Kiffin's public "ass chewing" comments toward Saban, his issues being late to team meetings, and Kiffin getting left behind at Peach Bowl media day contributed to his early departure.

Related: Alabama bus leaves Lane Kiffin behind ... again

So, Alabama will head into the national championship with a new man calling the offensive shots, against a team that obliterated Ohio State to earn a chance at vengeance after last year's defeat on the grandest stage.

No pressure, Steve Sarkisian.