Steve Sarkisian may be considered toxic for most college football programs, but if there’s one person who has the power to overlook that in the name of beefing up his staff, it’s Nick Saban. And apparently that’s what Saban is doing.
FOX Sports’ Clay Travis reports that Alabama will announce that they are hiring Steve Sarkisian as a special offensive assistant.
Breaking news, for real: I'm told Alabama will announce former USC coach Steve Sarkisian as a special offensive assistant on Tuesday.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 4, 2016
Sarkisian was fired by USC last year amid a scandal where his struggles with alcohol abuse were revealed. Just last month the former Trojans and Huskies head coach expressed interest in returning to coaching.
Sarkisian and Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin worked together on USC’s staff under Pete Carroll. Saban also took a chance when he hired Kiffin, who also had a negative reputation, and that worked out well for the program. Saban’s “buy-low” approach on another intelligent offensive coach may turn out to be beneficial for the Crimson Tide as well, and it could provide some insurance should Kiffin leave Tuscaloosa.
