Steve Sarkisian to Remain Alabama Offensive Coordinator After Interviewing With Colorado
By Jack Murphy
Steve Sarkisian was one of the top picks to land the job as the new head coach for Colorado's football program. However, after interviewing with the Buffaloes, the Alabama offensive coordinator will not leave Nick Saban's staff after all. He's officially returning to the Crimson Tide.
Not only will Sark remain at Alabama, but he will also receive a pay raise that will make him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football, per Chris Low of ESPN.
Nick Saban won't be looking for another offensive coordinator. Steve Sarkisian, who had emerged as a top target for the Colorado head job, will remain at @AlabamaFTBL and is expected to get a raise making him one of college football's highest paid assistants, sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) February 20, 2020
Sarkisian joined Alabama prior to the 2019 season after a stint as the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. The Crimson Tide ranked sixth in the nation in total yard per game and third in passing yards per game under his leadership.
Now that Sarkisian will remain with Alabama, Coloado will have to look elsewhere to fill the shoes of the departed Mel Tucker, who is succeeding Mark Dantonio at Michigan State.
Giants assistant and former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema interviewed for the position, and ought to be a priority target in Boulder now that Sark is out of the running.
#Giants OLBs coach and senior defensive assistant Bret Bielema is interviewing for the head coaching job at the University of Colorado, sources say. The former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach could be back in college.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2020
Alabama has brought back their offensive coordinator in hopes he will bring the Tide another national championship, and it's a smart move. Paying whatever it takes to keep him in Tuscaloosa is money well spent.