The day after Kyle Shanahan officially accepted the San Francisco 49ers head coaching job, the Atlanta Falcons hire former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. It was confirmed via Adam Schefter:
Falcons make it official, announce they have agreed with Steve Sarkisian to become their next offensive coordinator.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2017
Sarkisian takes over an offense that led the NFL in scoring and went to its first Super Bowl since 1999. Sarkisian was named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide in December when Lane Kiffin left. He was initially hired as an analyst by Saban and many questioned the decision.
Before being hired by Alabama, Sarkisian was the head coach for USC. He was fired in the middle of his second season due to alcohol related instances. Before that, he was a head coach at Washington while achieving a 46-35 record after five seasons.
Sarkisian does have NFL experience, however.
Steve Sarkisian never played in the NFL. His only year of NFL coaching experience was as Raiders QB Coach in 2004 (w/ Kerry Collins)
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) February 7, 2017
This news seems to be breaking the internet. No one knew Sarkisian was even on Dan Quinn’s radar. Colin Cowherd had some high praise for Sarkisian.
"I think Steve Sarkisian will actually be a very good coordinator in the NFL for several years & eventually get a HC job." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/k0mRPtG6C0
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 7, 2017
Sarkisian runs a different style of offense than Shanahan. The only question will be, “How well can Sark mesh his offense with these terrorizing playmakers?” And only time will tell us that.
