By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Tyler Waldrep)

Watching assistants leave for other jobs is nothing new for Alabama coach Nick Saban, but its hard to imagine he was prepared for the abrupt departure of offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on Tuesday. Sarkisian is leaving the Crimson Tide for the same position with the Atlanta Falcons.

During the week leading up to the national championship, Saban earned plenty of praise and criticism for, what is widely considered his decision, to remove then offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and replace him with the offensive coordinator to be, Sarkisian, a week early.

Prior to the move, Sarkisian spent the season working as an offensive analyst under Kiffin. That prompted many, including Saban, to point out that Sarkisian’s prior involvement with the offense, albeit behind the scenes, would ensure a smooth transition.

The Crimson Tide’s offense under Sarkisian accounted for 376 total yards and 31 points. Alabama lost the national championship game to Clemson largely because of the offense’s inability to convert on third down. The Crimson Tide converted two of 15 such opportunities.

The Falcons have agreed with Steve Sarkisian to become Atlanta’s offensive coordinator.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 7, 2017 …read more

Source:: The Crimson White Sports