Saban: Sarkisian knows the offense "inside and out"

January 4, 2017 at 9:22 p.m. | Updated January 4, 2017 at 9:22 p.m.

by Associated Press

Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian works with his players during football practice, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Seen in picture are Alabama quarterback David Cornwell (12) and Alabama quarterback Cooper Bateman (18). (Vasha Hunt/AL.com via AP)
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian works with his players during football practice, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Seen in picture are Alabama quarterback David Cornwell (12) and Alabama quarterback Cooper Bateman (18). (Vasha Hunt/AL.com via AP)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama coach Nick Saban says new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian knows the offense "inside and out."

Saban said Wednesday that Sarkisian has worked on the game plans each week since arriving after the season opener and knows the players well. He announced Monday that outgoing offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin wouldn't be with the team in the national championship game next week against Clemson.

Kiffin left a week earlier than expected to begin his new job as Florida Atlantic's head coach.

Saban cited the offense's 25 negative plays in the Peach Bowl against Washington and said the Crimson Tide played with poor execution and fundamentals.

Saban says he doesn't want to change the offensive philosophy but has other players he wants to get involved in the offense.

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