On 2nd Thought, You Can Leave Now, Lane
02 Jan, 2017
Lane Kiffin’s time at Alabama came to an early end Monday.
In an unexpected plot twist, Alabama announced offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will no longer be with the program as he moves onto the head job with Florida Atlantic. Steve Sarkisian will immediately take over play-calling responsibilities for the Jan. 9 championship game with Clemson.
Both Saban and Kiffin had previously said he would stay on with the Tide through the playoff run.
“We just thought it was in the best interest of our players and our program and for Lane to assume his responsibilities as the head coach at Florida Atlantic,” Nick Saban said live on ESPN. “It’s been our goal as a program to always give our players the best opportunity to be successful, whether it’s personally, academically or athletically.
“This decision was made after we mutually agreed that this would be the best thing for both parties.”
Sarkisian will step into the job a game earlier than expected. He was named Kiffin’s replacement last month. The former Washington and USC coach had been an offensive analyst on Alabama’s staff since September. He’s been in the coaches’ box during the games but was unable to speak on the headsets in his role.
Saban discussed the circumstances that led to the decision regarding Kiffin.
“I think the way we went about the last game, whether it was the preparation or the practice, being able to focus on what we had to do for our team, relative to the distractions that occur when you’re trying to hire a staff and recruit to another place. He did the best he could. It’s a difficult circumstance. We certainly wish him well.”
Saban said he met with Kiffin on Sunday and again Monday before coming to this decision.
Kiffin released a statement through Alabama.
“After going through these last couple of weeks, trying to serve the best interests of two universities as an offensive coordinator and a head coach, it became apparent that both programs would be better served by me giving all my time and efforts to being the head coach at FAU,” Kiffin said. “After meeting with Coach Saban during preparations last night and this morning, we mutually decided that it was in everyone’s best interests for the players and the program for Coach Sarkisian to take over all responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the championship game.
This was a very difficult decision, but it’s a decision made in the best interests of the program. I look forward to helping Alabama win another championship, and would like to thank Coach Saban, the staff, and all the players and fans for the past three years at UA for an unforgettable time and championship run.”
Alabama was 40-3 in three seasons with Kiffin calling offensive plays.
AL.com
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