Bama Hammer
Fansided

What is Most Impressive About the Kiffin to Sarkisian transition?

By Ronald Evans

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks to head coach Nick Saban at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talks to head coach Nick Saban at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

What was most impressive about the Lane Kiffin to Steve Sarkisian transition on Monday was not what happened, but what did not.

Alabama’s offense was flat during Saturday’s Peach Bowl.  There were too many offensive penalties.  Too many plays were rushed or failed at the end of the play clock. Tide playmakers got limited touches and achieved limited production.

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin speaks with Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin speaks with Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

On offense, there was little of the laser vision focus synonymous of a Saban championship team. Was a lack of focus triggered by a distracted Lane Kiffin? Fan forums and chat rooms have been abuzz with speculation that such inconsistent performance would doom chances against Clemson.

Apparently, Nick Saban had similar concerns.  The always in control, always steps ahead in planning, best football coach in the college game took action.  Lane Kiffin out; Steve Sarkisian in. Another national championship opportunity loomed in seven days and Nick Saban made the best decision for his players, the team’s fans, his coaching staff and for Lane Kiffin.

Having observed for almost four months, Steve Sarkisian was ready to assume the role of Offensive Coordinator.  Sarkisian had replaced Kiffin twice before, as an assistant and as head coach at USC. Kiffin was primarily responsible for bringing Sarkisian to Tuscaloosa. Lane and Sark shared the same offensive philosophy, the same terminology. Alabama offensive players, most importantly, 18-year-old freshman Jalen Hurts

Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian prior to the game against Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive analyst Steve Sarkisian prior to the game against Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

could make a quick transition.

What could have crippled Alabama on Monday, with lingering damage affecting the title game, would have been Kiffin not publically buying into the sudden change.

On Monday Saban said all the right things and showing perhaps a late learned maturity, so did Kiffin.  No doubt, Kiffin had nothing to gain and not a little to lose if he exited gracelessly.

But it could have happened. The change could have been too painful for his ego. He could have thrown someone under the bus, even unintentionally himself. He did not. Kiffin said all the right things. And that may well be the most impressive result of Monday’s change.

Hopefully, neither Kiffin nor anyone else will succumb to media pressure to do otherwise, at least for seven more days.

NEXT: The Most Ridiculous Fan Predictions of 2016

What do you think? Did this change come at the best time for Alabama? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below.

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide News