Earlier this week, Alabama announced Lane Kiffin will not coach the team against Clemson in the national championship. Instead, Steve Sarkisian will immediately take over as offensive coordinator, while Kiffin can now focus on his duties as the new FAU head coach.
There has been discussion about whether the switch could have a negative impact on the Crimson Tide just one week before the title game, but if Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley is to be believed, it could be the right choice.
Ridley, who is the roommate of freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, says that the star signal-caller actually prefers Sarkisian over Kiffin.
The wide receiver says Sarkisian works with Hurts more closely when it comes to breaking down film and that the change will actually make things better for the young quarterback.
From AL.com:
“He told me that he likes coach Sarkisian,” said Hurts’ roommate, wide receiver Calvin Ridley. “… He says he’s getting a lot of new things that can help him. He’s watching a lot more film, breaking things more down to him. I guess he likes the coaching better.
“He’s really locked in, even though he was locked in the whole season. But I feel like he really likes coach Sarkisian, and coach Sarkisian is giving him a lot of new tips, a lot of new things to get better.”
This should make Alabama fans feel better about the last-minute change entering the national title game and moving into the future with Sarkisian and Hurts leading the way.
Kickoff between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Monday night.
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