Steve Sarkisian named Alabama offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach
Alabama has named Steve Sarkisian as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the university announced.
“We are pleased to be able to hire an offensive coordinator with the pedigree and experience of Steve Sarkisian,” head coach Nick Saban said in a release. "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.”
Sarkisian has assisted Alabama as an analyst this season, which limited him to watching film and proving input on the direction of the program without interacting with players on the field.
“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. There are many outstanding coaches and athletes at The University of Alabama, and I am extremely excited to start working with them in my new role. This is a very special place to have the opportunity to coach when you consider the program's rich tradition and the unrivaled passion of the fan base.”
Sarkisian replaces Lane Kiffin, who took a head coaching position with Florida Atlantic University. Sarkisian and Kiffin were on the same coaching staff at USC under Pete Carroll.
In his last coaching role, Sarkisian was fired in the middle of his second season at USC after troubles with his alcoholism. He also coached for five seasons at Washington and compiled a 46–35 record as head coach.
