BREAKING: Lane Kiffin steps down immediately, Sarkisian will call the College Football Playoff title game

The Alabama offense has been less than inspired the past several weeks, as the quality of competition has improved, as Coach Kiffin has been searching for jobs, and as the offense has generally sputtered with execution issues and getting away from what the team does best.

Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban apparently agreed, as the two mutually decided it was for the best for all parties involved to install incoming offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, immediately.

The move was announced live on ESPN. Coach Sark will assume playcalling duties immediately, and Coach Kiffin will presumably head to Boca Raton to begin recruiting for his new team, the Florida Atlantic Owls.

This really is for the best, though. Coach Sark is chomping at the bit to get started rebuilding his career and demonstrate his coaching chops. Coach Saban knows that he is getting an offensive coordinator that is both dialed into his job and runs the ball more as a philosophical matter. And, for Coach Kiffin, he can cease chafing at the bit from Saban’s critical style and higher-percentage brand of football.

We thank Coach Kiffin for all he’s done for the University and transitioning the Tide to a more modern offense. The past three SEC title and three straight playoff appearances were not possible without him.

And, of course, we send our very best to Coach Sarkisian. No pressure or anything.

We’ll have more as the story develops.

Roll Tide