With Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin heading to Florida Atlantic after the College Football Playoff, the program has elected to promote someone from within its staff to take his place.
Coach Nick Saban announced on Friday in a team release that former USC coach and current Alabama offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian will be that replacement. He will serve as the Tide's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach next season.
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"We are pleased to be able to hire an offensive coordinator with the pedigree and 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.
“He has been a great asset to our coaching staff this season and brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to his job. Steve will be a phenomenal addition to our coaching staff and someone who can seamlessly transition into the job with a full understanding of how our organization works.”
USC fired Sarkisian last season after it was alleged he appeared under the influence of alcohol multiple times in his role as coach. Sarkisian later sought treatment for alcoholism and has since sued USC for firing him over what the suit claims is a medical condition.
Sarkisian, who also was coach at Washington before going to USC, is one of five former FBS head coaches on Saban's staff, along with Kiffin, Mario Cristobal, Bobby Williams and Mike Locksley.
Alabama will face Sarkisian’s former school, No. 4 Washington, in the Peach Bowl (a College Football Playoff semifinal game) on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta.