Steve Sarkisian’s journey back reinvigorates Alabama players

TAMPA, Fla. — Steve Sarkisian spent nearly 11 months on a sabbatical from college football.

Out of the spotlight while dealing with his demons, including a substance abuse problem that cost him more than just his head coaching job at Southern California, Sarkisian was looking for his next step.

That journey brought him to Alabama, and four months later has the disgraced former head coach thrust back into the limelight just before the biggest game of them all — the national championship.

But it was in those 11 months away, and the last four months as an offensive analyst at Alabama, that Sarkisian learned the most valuable lesson.

“I think the biggest thing I discovered in me is I’m a good person — not perfect, none of us are,” Sarkisian said Saturday during the College Football Playoff media day at Amalie Arena. “But the reality of it is, I also learned that I love this game. I love coaching football. I love being around these players. I love being around the coaches. I love all of college football. I love game day.

“When you get to go to that stadium, I really like to try to take it in. I think it’s important that we just don’t gloss over that kind of stuff. Enjoy the moment.”

Sarkisian’s moment came last Monday, when he took over as Alabama’s offensive coordinator just a week before No. 1 Alabama (14-0) plays No. 2 Clemson (13-1) for the College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium.

“I’m excited. This is what I love to do,” Sarkisian said. “I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve been fortunate to have coached in some big games in my career. Obviously this is another big one. These guys have earned the right to be in this game. My mindset is just putting them in the best position to be successful.”

Sarkisian, 42, has been a play caller most of his coaching career, both as Southern Cal’s co-offensive coordinator in 2007-08 and again during head coaching stints at Washington (2009-13) and USC (2014-15).

That has Alabama head coach Nick Saban confident his new offensive coordinator can handle the responsibility ahead.

“Sark has done this for a long time, and he’s called plays for a long time. He’s got a lot of experience. He’s got a lot of knowledge,” Saban said Saturday. “I think he’s very well organized in his approach, and I’d tell him what I tell any coach: ‘We’ve prepared to do certain things in certain situations; let’s stick with the plan.’ “

The move came a week sooner than expected when Saban announced Lane Kiffin would step away to assume his new role as head coach at Florida Atlantic. The timing was surprising to many around college football, but those inside the Alabama athletic complex said it was business as usual.

“Quite honestly, in this profession, nothing really surprises me, especially my career and the way it’s all kind of gone down,” Sarkisian said. “So when the news came, I shifted right into coach mode, which is where I’m really probably the most comfortable. It was just time to go to work.”

Saturday, in his his first media opportunity since he was fired by USC on Oct. 13, 2015 following a series of incidents when he was reportedly under the influence on the job, Sarkisian joked, smiled and held his head high.

That said, he wasn’t interested in getting into the particulars of his personal recovery.

“The reality of it is, I’m at this point today with a tremendous opportunity,” Sarkisian said. “(But) this is about our team, this is about our players, this is about the job and the situation that they’ve put themselves in to go out and win a national championship. To do it for a second consecutive year would be an amazing accomplishment. That’s where my focus is.”

By all accounts, the players have responded well to the change, including freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts.

“My relationship (with Sarkisian) is building, but so far he’s been very impactful on the whole offense,” Hurts said Saturday. “You see a different energy around here, and you can see it in everybody’s eyes. We’re looking forward to (the game).”

Sarkisian’s promotion has brought a renewed sense of self to an Alabama offense that posted its season-low in points in last week’s 24-7 win over No. 4 Washington in the national semifinal.

“Everybody moved around, everybody had a pep in their step, everybody was into it,” Hurts said of Tuesday’s practice in Tuscaloosa, the first under Sarkisian, “and it kind of reinforced what we wanted (all along). With the change, people are forced to lock in.”