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Alabama Football: 3 things Steve Sarkisian will bring to Tide in 2019

By Dakota Cox

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban (L) and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian of the Alabama Crimson Tide stand on the sideline during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban (L) and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian of the Alabama Crimson Tide stand on the sideline during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on the field during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on the field during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. Experience as NFL coordinator

College coordinators and NFL coordinators are different, but it helps to have experience in both. They usually run different schemes and coach in different ways. Unless you have been one of the best coordinators in college football for a long time, it is usually thought of as a bonus to have that NFL experience.

Part of Sarkisian’s job will be preparing his players for the next stage in their lives. He knows what they need to do to prepare because he worked that next stage for multiple seasons. It’s not like Alabama lacks in this regard, but any experience is greatly appreciated.

Some of Saban’s top assistants have had NFL experience. Of course, Saban himself was an NFL head coach with the Dolphins. Kirby Smart coached alongside him. You also have Lane Kiffin and Brian Daboll on the offensive side of the football. All of those were wins for Saban, and Sarkisian might be another.

Sarkisian has experience at every level. He has worked in the college ranks everywhere from an analyst to a head coach, and he has the bonus of working with the Falcons. Diversity is important when you want new ideas, and Sarkisian should have plenty of them.

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