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Falcons hire Steve Sarkisian as new offensive coordinator

FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2017 file photo, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian stands on the sidelines during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson in Tampa, Fla. The Atlanta Falcons have hired Sarkisian as their new offensive coordinator. The move was announced Tuesday, Feb. 7 less than 24 hours after Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of SF 49ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2017 file photo, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian stands on the sidelines during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson in Tampa, Fla. The Atlanta Falcons have hired Sarkisian as their new offensive coordinator. The move was announced Tuesday, Feb. 7 less than 24 hours after Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of SF 49ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

By Associated Press February 7, 2017 1 min read

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons have hired Steve Sarkisian as their new offensive coordinator.

The move was announced Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Sarkisian took over as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in the national championship game, but his tenure with the Crimson Tide stunningly lasted only one contest. He is a former head coach at Washington and Southern Cal. Sarkisian was named Alabama’s offensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin left to become the head coach at Florida Atlantic University.

The 42-year-old Sarkisian takes over the NFL’s scoring offense led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, All-Pro receiver Julio Jones and 1,000-yard rusher Devonta Freeman.

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