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Nick Saban confirms Steve Sarkisian will join Alabama

Again, should Sarkisian join Alabama’s staff – there has been no official word from his camp one way or the other – the Tide would have two fired USC coaches on staff days after they handed the Trojans their worst season-opening loss in history.

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Midway through the second quarter of Alabama’s season opener Saturday night against Southern California, the Crimson Tide trailed 3-0 and looked inept on offense without a proven quarterback.

He is set to work for Fox Sports as a television analyst, but could reunite with fellow former USC coach Lane Kiffin at Alabama instead. Sarkisian’s role would be under Kiffin, with whom Sarkisian coached as co-coordinators under current Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

Sarkisian coached the Huskies to a 34-29 record from 2009-13, guiding the team to four bowl games in five seasons.

The No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide now has two former USC coaches in the fold. “But, at this point in the season, I’m really focused on what we need to do to get better”.

“We’re going to continue to help him in his program as an organization and we’ll support him when he has an opportunity.”

“But I think he understands the consequences that he deals with professionally if he has any issues or problems”. He filed a wrongful terminal lawsuit against the University last December, claiming the school should have allowed him to seek treatment for alcoholism rather than dismissing him. Eventually, he succeeded Kiffin as head coach for the Trojans.

We’re projecting here, but the addition of Sarkisian to the offensive staff could give Alabama the ability to have a relatively seamless transition if Kiffin leaves for a head coaching job in the near future.

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Alabama is 2-0 all time against the Hilltoppers, winning 41-7 in 2008 and 35-0 in 2012.

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